D7H07401
May

04

I want my IPTV

Ladies European Tour / 0 comments

Noticed a column by John Dvorak this week on PC Magazine about IPTV which touched on some of the same points that I’ve mentioned in my previous rants about womens golf television coverage, especially here in Europe.

We’re simply dying to have more choice in terms of what we can watch – no more border, timezone, etc restrictions.  For example – let us sign up for Sky’s internet television programming even though we’re based in the Netherlands. Maybe we’d prefer their content over what is offered by local providers.  Or allow people in the UK to sign up for UPC’s programming offering here in the Netherlands.  Or allow us to sign up directly from the providers – the LET, the European Tour, Sky, ESPN, Golf Channel, etc.

Danielle McVeigh (Ireland) approaching the 15th green during round 1 at the 2012 Dinard Ladies Open (© 2012-13 www.doglegmedia.com. all rights reserved.)

Danielle McVeigh (Ireland) approaching the 15th green during round 1 at the 2012 Dinard Ladies Open

Allow people to sign up/directly watch live coverage of the Ladies European Tour.  Or …. watch it later, in case they want to watch the days action later at night.  Wouldn’t it be great to simply watch this week’s Aberdeen Ladies Scottish Open live?  Or next week’s Turkish Ladies Open?  The places that the tour visits aren’t always the easiest or cheapest places for us fans to get to after all.

Catriona Matthew on the 4th tee at the 2011 European Nations Cup (Poodle)

Catriona Matthew on the 4th tee at the 2011 European Nations Cup

And it’s not like someone still needs to invent the technology to do these things – it already exists.  And strangely, its even affordable – check out UStream.tv if you want a to see a real example.  I’ve been looking for an opportunity to try UStream on the LET or LET Access Series, but none of the tournaments this year that I’ve attended have had a good enough 3G connection to make it work.  Not to mention that I’m already plenty busy taking photos and I’d need to arrange permission with the tour to give it a shot.

Karen teeing off from the 4th during the 2011 Tenerife Ladies Match Play (Poodle)

Alexandra Armas

Somehow over the past couple of weeks, I missed the announcement that Alex Armas had decided to resign as executive director of the Ladies European Tour.  I don’t know all of the in’s & out’s of what goes on behind the scenes at the tour, but I have to say I was surprised to learn of the announcement.

Alex led the tour through some very difficult times around the turn of the century, when the existence of the tour itself was threatened.  The playing opportunities that exist today are in large part due to her hard work and dedication over the past decade.  Well done Alex  !

That said, all of the pro tours could certainly benefit from a little change.  Change usually brings new energy, fresh ideas, and new opportunities.   No doubt that the pressure is on from the LET players to increase the tournament prize funds, grow the playing opportunities, and continue to “professionalize” the tour.  The need for a clear commercial agenda at the tour level on the LET to complement the efforts of local organisers has never been greater.

Anne-Lise Caudal on the 9th green during round 2 of the 2011 Ladies German Open (Poodle)

Anne-Lise Caudal (France) on the 9th green during round 2 of the 2011 Ladies German Open

Women’s Golf News & Notes

  • Matt Cooper writes that there are six to watch at this week’s Aberdeen Scottish Ladies Open.  France’s Anne-Lise Caudal is the round 1 leader at Archerfield.
  • Next week’s LET event, the Turkish Airlines Ladies Open, has a Facebook page.  Follow them !  We’ll be at National Golf Club in Belek, Turkey next week, getting photos at the tournament on behalf of several publications.
  • The Ladies European Tour has added a new event for 2012  - the South African Womens Open.  The event will be hosted at San Lameer Country Club 13-15 July.
  • New Zealand golf is close to finalising a deal to host the New Zealand Ladies Open at Pegasus Golf Club again next year.
  • Australia’s Nikki Campbell and Kristie Smith are competing on the JLPGA this week at the World Ladies Championship Salonpas Cup.
  • Princess Haya has extended her patronage of the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters for another two years.  Fantastic to see her commitment to womens golf.
  • Emily McLennan has signed with the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga  The young Australian competed on the LET earlier in the year at the 2012 ISPS Handa New Zealand Women’s Open.
  • Sana Tufail scores “perfect ten” victories on the Emirates Golf Federation’s Ladies’ Order of Merit.

 

Best wishes to everyone for a great weekend !