You Gotta Hear This

[Grass Roots Tour]

I just heard Jean Van De Veld applied to play in an LPGA event and the story is coming up on Golf Central. :eek: Or maybe that was Comedy Central :rofl:

Hasn't this guy embarrassed himself enough? You'd think you'd try and fly the straight and narrow after .. he he he , that BO.

[mikemakeitso]

Hilarious, I guess it was just a matter of time...

What would be even funnier, is if they let him play and he fails to clarify - and misses the cut.... :rofl:

[leftintherough]

But would he be able to wear shorts???? Oops, that's another thread

[Grass Roots Tour]

Do you honestly think he could lose a 3 stroke lead with one hole to play on the LPGA too? :rofl: :hush: :eek: :rolleyes: :rofl:

I don't think I could watch that AGAIN.:D

[haribo]

So, does that mean he's going through a sex change???? The LPGA is WOMEN only, isn't it.

Maybe he's just wants to show of his legs again. Not that it helped him much at the Open ...

[MP33]

I think if he is stupid enough to suggest this, they should let him play and make a fool out of himself.

[iyell4]

So, does that mean he's going through a sex change???? The LPGA is WOMEN only, isn't it.
...
no, that would be the WPGA.
i think he would be able to finish in the top-20.

[AnnikaFan]

its getting ridiculus...

anyways..here's the article talking about this

http://www.thegolfchannel.com/core.aspx?page=15100&select=17918

even thinking of legal action if he's denied? puh lease

[Greywolf]

Ridiculous is right.

[larmet]

So, does that mean he's going through a sex change???? The LPGA is WOMEN only, isn't it.
As much as the PGA is MEN only.

Actually I'd like to see him do it, win, and take money away from some women golfers and see how they react. Flip to Michelle Wie/Soranstam playing in a men's tournament.

And, yes, he should wear shorts (as is permitted by the LPGA) or if he's comfortable a skirt or skorts.

[iyell4]

As much as the PGA is MEN only.

Actually I'd like to see him do it, win, and take money away from some women golfers and see how they react. Flip to Michelle Wie/Soranstam playing in a men's tournament.

And, yes, he should wear shorts (as is permitted by the LPGA) or if he's comfortable a skirt or skorts.Would you have more, less or the same amount of interest in the LPGA Tour
if we re-brand the "Ladies Professional Golf Association" to the
"Leaders Professional Golf Association"
and allowed anyone to play in it? ... men, women, trans-gender, teens, children, octagenarians, etc.

Van de Velde Wants to Play Women's British
By Associated Press - October 27, 2005 SOTOGRANDE, Spain -- Jean Van de Velde, who blew the British Open six years ago on the final hole, will attempt to enter next year's women's British Open.

``I'll even wear a kilt and shave my legs,'' he said Thursday after shooting a 7-over-par 78 in the first round of the Volvo Masters.

Van de Velde became infamous in the 1999 British Open when he led by three strokes going to the 72nd hole, then wound up losing the tournament in a playoff.

The 39-year-old Frenchman is upset with a recent policy set by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club to allow women to qualify for next year's British Open.

``My whole point is where do we draw the line?'' Van de Velde asked, and called the rule change a farce.

``If we accept that women can enter our tournaments, then it applies that men can play with women,'' he said.

The Frenchman said he would get an application and attempt to qualify.

Next year's women's British Open is set for Aug. 3-6 at Royal Lytham. The event is run by the Ladies' Golf Union, which established a gender policy this year.

The policy says: ``It shall be a condition of any competition organized by the Ladies' Golf Union that players must be of the female gender.'' :eek:

Andy Salmon, chief executive officer of the LGU, said Thursday there was no plan to change the rule.

The LGU established a formal gender policy this season, which allowed competition from players who had sex-change operations to become females.
OUCH!! :eek:
The best known example was Danish-born Australian Mianne Bagger, who played some LGU events in 2005.

Van de Velde hinted at legal action if he were not allowed to play.

``I just don't understand it, and if my application is not accepted I will definitely get advice and see how far it will go,'' he said. ``I am making a point. I'm not trying to take a sexist stance.

``I think there are much more important matters. I think our governing body should concentrate on the long putter, checking clubs. Things like that, not this.''

Former Ryder Cup player Barry Lane suggested a change in the rules could end women's golf.

``Do they want 100 men trying to qualify?'' he asked. ``If they do there won't be any spots left for them (women).''

Copyright 2005 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

[Just hit it]

Do you honestly think he could lose a 3 stroke lead with one hole to play on the LPGA too? :rofl: :hush: :eek: :rolleyes: :rofl:

I don't think I could watch that AGAIN.:D
That would be the story of the year (and lose to M.W.):rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[rockwalls]

Yep, heard about it last night on TGC and I wasn't surprised at all that some "male" golfer finally stepped up to this whole "nonsense." What surprised me was "who" this male was and its Jean VDV. Personally, I'm glad that this is happening because this could finally expose how stupid this gender bender pro golf tournaments have become. Why shouldn't the males get the same treatment as Michelle Wie and Annika Sorenstam, who, by sponsor exemptions, have taken away spots for those "male" golfers trying to crack a spot in the tournament to earn their livelihood?

Who should be blamed really are the officials on both sides, corporations/sponsors. I understand from a marketing standpoint/viewership that this is all business - $$$ ca-ching! However, from a player's point of view, what are they trying to prove? As someone has suggested, why not make just one Professional Golf circuit where anyone can play, provided he/she qualifies? Its moot but isn't this what's starting to happen?

Jean Van deVelde aint stupid; he knows what he's doing, heck, he's getting more publicity than ever before. If he is allowed and does win, then good for him - he'll finally win a major. :D

This bull crap has got to stop man. Michelle Wie she's talented but - you ply your trade in the women's circuit first and learn how to win. There is nothing wrong with the LPGA's skill level and you could also test yourself there and be the best you can become. Enough of these sad cliches about how "I want to challenge myself and so on so forth....in men's tour..blah blah blah...." :nono:

[iyell4]

This *** has got to stop man. Michelle Wie she's talented but - you ply your trade in the women's circuit first and learn how to win. There is nothing wrong with the LPGA's skill level and you could also test yourself there and be the best you can become. Enough of these sad cliches about how "I want to challenge myself and so on so forth....in men's tour..blah blah blah...." :nono:
you are one of the reasons why MW is playing on the men's tour ... she likes to silence the 'nay-sayers' ... imo, this silencing will happen when she has a top-10 finish. (just makin' the cut won't cut it).

[Pingnut]

The PGA is the Professional Golfers Association. Women are professional golfers. It would be nice that if every time a woman plays in a PGA event that they got there by qualifying - but they've got to start somewhere. Sponsors can give their exemptions to Alice Cooper if they want - why not Michelle Wie if she brings in the TV audiences.

I sure hope Van De Velde has some iron clad long term contracts with his sponsors, because if I was one of them I'd be distancing myself from this fool very quickly. In trying to Qualify for the Ladies British Open he's probably already qualified for another prestigious event. The Special Olympics. Bring home the Gold to France Jean!

[iyell4]

didn't Alice Cooper sign with Callaway?

Jean will be well cared for ... let's not hate him just 'cuz he is makin' $$$ off his 15 minutes of fame (infamy) ... now, where did i put my William Hung "Best Of" CD? http://www.williamhung.org/ :)

VAN DE VELDE SIGNS WITH CLEVELAND GOLF
October 27, 1999

Cypress, CA, October 27, 1999...PGA Tour member Jean Van de Velde has signed a multi-year contract with Cleveland Golf, announced Greg Hopkins, president.

Van de Velde has been using the Cleveland irons and wedges on Tour for the past three weeks and has been impressed with their accuracy and length, "If I'd had a Cleveland 3-iron in my bag at Carnoustie on 18, I may not have got my feet wet!" he joked in Montecastillo yesterday as he prepared for the Volvo Masters.

In the midst of his best season since joining the Tour, Van de Velde is going to begin competing on the American Tour as well as the European Tour in the upcoming year. He will exclusively use Cleveland irons and wedges and carry a Cleveland bag in every tournament he plays worldwide. "We are looking forward to having Jean on our team." Said Hopkins. "He's a talented young man with amazing spirit on and off of the golf course."

Van de Velde joins Steve Flesch, David Toms, Andrew Magee, Mark Brooks and others on Cleveland Golf's Tour staff as they continue to expand their presence on the PGA Tour.

[rockwalls]

you are one of the reasons why MW is playing on the men's tour ... she likes to silence the 'nay-sayers' ... imo, this silencing will happen when she has a top-10 finish. (just makin' the cut won't cut it).
that's why there's the LPGA and PGA (w/c we all know are men). there's nothing wrong with the LPGA; they're talented and highly skilled players. my point is, aside from the peripheral media coverage, ratings and the whole enchilada that comes with this hoopla, there has to be a line drawn out here. i'm not doubting her talent but this may just be detrimental to her game. learn how to play, win and win a lot in the women's tour first and then, maybe, perhaps, you try qualifying for the mens tour. on the other hand, there are lots of male golfers in the lower rungs trying to make it to the pga tour, bustin their behinds to move up. i don't think she thought of us Male naysayers when she embarked on this trip. its just convenient to say that...she could be proving herself as well by playing the LPGA or going to college (that's her choice and option) and winning. there's enough pressure already being that young....it all really boils down to money; you think these sponsors really care about her game and her well-being? don't think so. Ca-ching!!

[AnnikaFan]

but this whole thing isn't about giving the ladies special exemption to PGA events...its about letting ladies to QUALIFY for the PGA british open...

so publicity and money and kicking the crappier pga golfers off a tournament spot isn't the issue here.

if someone qualifies......then go ahead and play....but lpga is for the LADIES..hence LADIES professional golf association.......there's not GPGA (gentlemen professional golf association)..and gender exclusion is not in the PGA rule book..but it is in the LPGA..

in my highschool, our "male" golf team consisted of several female players...no one complained....cuz those female can kick some arse..and they qualified through try outs to be on the team.

this is no difference...as long as you qualify, you can play.

as for special exemptions..why do ppl only focus on michelle and annika...there are so many other MALE players who play thru special exemptions...and celebrities who play thru special exemptions and no one ever complained about them.


in my view..all you guys are just afraid that for once, a lady may be kicking the men's arses...

[Faemow]

Hey i'd sign up if i could pair up with Natalie Gulbis :D

[rockwalls]

but this whole thing isn't about giving the ladies special exemption to PGA events...its about letting ladies to QUALIFY for the PGA british open...

so publicity and money and kicking the crappier pga golfers off a tournament spot isn't the issue here.

if someone qualifies......then go ahead and play....but lpga is for the LADIES..hence LADIES professional golf association.......there's not GPGA (gentlemen professional golf association)..and gender exclusion is not in the PGA rule book..but it is in the LPGA..

in my highschool, our "male" golf team consisted of several female players...no one complained....cuz those female can kick some arse..and they qualified through try outs to be on the team.

this is no difference...as long as you qualify, you can play.

as for special exemptions..why do ppl only focus on michelle and annika...there are so many other MALE players who play thru special exemptions...and celebrities who play thru special exemptions and no one ever complained about them.


in my view..all you guys are just afraid that for once, a lady may be kicking the men's arses...
LOL! I've nothing against women and am not ashamed if a woman beats me in a sport. That aint my issue.

Why then is the LPGA exclusive? Scared that the men are too strong for them? Just making a point that just like there are "women's only clubs" there too are "men's only clubs." Now, you say the PGA is Open (inluding all Majors) to all genders and its not in the rule book, c'mon, its understood that this is the men's league. Getting it to be men's only just like the LPGA aint hard to do; that rule can be implemented. So, back to JVDV, why shouldn't he play in the women's Brit Open if he qualifies if women are to be allowed to qualify in the men's Brit Open? Fair enough?

Solution should be One Pro Tour, Majors and 1 set of Tees me thinks. Then, we can see who the real best players are. (that's a stretch, and it aint gonna happen.) ;)

[AnnikaFan]

welll..its obvious why there's a Lady'sPGA...cuz we know that the ladies can't compete with the boys due to obvious physical properties... if the lady feel like they can take the challenge..then go ahead and try...

but to go the opposite?!?! its like A grown up professional 7 feet tall basketball player signing up to play in the local pee wee age 4-7 bball league...
its embassassing..and he's making a fool of himself. And won't gain much respect from others...do you know what i mean? Like i understand what you mean...but you will always see girls trying to stand for themselves and try and compete with the guys..to prove that we are not weaker than you think...but you'll never (rarely)...see the opposite...like when you see "crappier" guys on a street bball court wanting to join a bunch of girls that's playing bball...and then in turn beat the crap out of the girls...just so that he can "beat" someone and to prove that he's really not that "crappy"....i mean..u just don't do that...i know its not a "rule" but its like an unwritten code..its the principle! u know what i mean? blah i can't explain myself

[Grass Roots Tour]

welll..its obvious why there's a Lady'sPGA...cuz we know that the ladies can't compete with the boys due to obvious physical properties... if the lady feel like they can take the challenge..then go ahead and try...

but to go the opposite?!?! its like A grown up professional 7 feet tall basketball player signing up to play in the local pee wee age 4-7 bball league...
its embassassing..and he's making a fool of himself. And won't gain much respect from others...do you know what i mean? Like i understand what you mean...but you will always see girls trying to stand for themselves and try and compete with the guys..to prove that we are not weaker than you think...but you'll never (rarely)...see the opposite...like when you see "crappier" guys on a street bball court wanting to join a bunch of girls that's playing bball...and then in turn beat the crap out of the girls...just so that he can "beat" someone and to prove that he's really not that "crappy"....i mean..u just don't do that...i know its not a "rule" but its like an unwritten code..its the principle! u know what i mean? blah i can't explain myself

I get it.

Like theres nothin to be proud of of you win.

I'd be proud if I beat the LPGA tour, but I don't think thats VDV's thought. I think VDV is an idiot and this is just more proof. Can he possibly think this stunt will make people forget about his collapse at the Open?

[Pingnut]

He's got a website "coming soon" http://www.jeanvandevelde.com/Please visit our sponsors: http://www.jeanvandevelde.com/images/ffgolf.gif (http://www.ffg.org/)http://www.jeanvandevelde.com/images/callaway.gif (http://www.callawaygolf.com/)http://www.jeanvandevelde.com/images/cleveland.gif (http://www.clevelandgolf.com/)http://www.jeanvandevelde.com/images/lacoste.gif (http://www.lacoste.com/)

Let them know how you feel about Jeannay! Chump.

[moe norman]

I just heard Jean Van De Veld applied to play in an LPGA event and the story is coming up on Golf Central. :eek: Or maybe that was Comedy Central :rofl:

Hasn't this guy embarrassed himself enough? You'd think you'd try and fly the straight and narrow after .. he he he , that BO.Maybe you're missing the point...don't you think he is doing this because he is tired of having women receiving sponsors exemptions into men's events. Do you realize they are taking spots from players who have qualified for the event and are trying to retain their cards for the next season? Clearly these women have trouble competing with men, it's nothing but a marketing ploy and a quick money grab! So what if Annika or Michelle makes a cut...that's about all they will do against the men. They definitely won't finish near the leaders.:nono:

[AnnikaFan]

no..he's not doing this because of the exemptions...he doing this in regarding how they are going to let women to QUALIFY for the PGA British Open..

so all this exemption/money/publicity excuses don't work

[rockwalls]

no..he's not doing this because of the exemptions...he doing this in regarding how they are going to let women to QUALIFY for the PGA British Open..

so all this exemption/money/publicity excuses don't work
it's SPITE...JVDV got sick and tired of it and decided to take action. he may just add another chapter to his glorious golf career. :cool: i think what he's doing is career suicide however, i must give him some credit for having the "ProVs" to do what he's planning to do.

AnnikaFan, I do understand your point and analogy but what is really the whole point in trying to qualify for the men's British Open while there exists a women's one? I don't see the logic behind proving yourself against the boys here because the women's league in itself is strong enough and highly skilled. And by doing so, one (like Michelle Wie) is making it appear that a) you're just too good to be playing in the women's league b) women pro golfers are lower rung and c) i wan't more coverage, publicity and controversy. Michelle Wie, i'll take as an example, has proved nothing to this point. IMHO, she's still hype brought to light by extensive media coverage, corporate sponsorship. I don't doubt her raw talent, but like many other before her, she could burn out and be a bust (i doubt that though but very possible) I don't blame her for this; in fact she is a tool being used by the powers that be and fortunately, she is getting paid very handsomely for it but....unfortunately, she may never learn how to win if all she thinks about is trying to prove something which never was in doubt anyway - her power and talent. I would really understand if she has won numerous times in the LPGA, tourneys and majors and she decided to play the PGA but at this point in her life and career? :confused:

that's it, I'm done. enough of this...we all have our say...let's just watch this unfold before our eyes!!:$

[AnnikaFan]

yes i do agree michelle should learn how to win first. And that she should stick with the lpga first before doing anything else.

but i kinda want her to make a fool of herself at the pga events...so the media will get tired of her...and focus more on annika :)

[rockwalls]

yes i do agree michelle should learn how to win first. And that she should stick with the lpga first before doing anything else.

but i kinda want her to make a fool of herself at the pga events...so the media will get tired of her...and focus more on annika :)You know, another thing is, I'd like her to battle Pressle, Creamer, the Korean girls and even Annika because I believe, the LPGA needs her more there than do the PGA Tour. In fact, having her in the LPGA would put them probably at the same level as the PGA or higher in terms of viewership and coverage. I know I would watch especially if these new crop of girls start contending on Sundays and duke it out. Add the fact that their teenagers with lots of ego.

I know it sounds mean but I do feel the same way like you regarding her foray into the men's tour :D ;)

[Bellyhungry]

...yes i do agree michelle should learn how to win first....
I do not understand why a lot of golf observers keep saying that 'Wie needs to learn to win first'.

Does that mean she should play at Jr. Girls tournaments where she will beat up all the young girls? Is she supposed to feel accomplished beating girls at a lesser levels.

Even Tiger acknowledged that Wie's game is ahead of him when he was at the same age. When your game is at a certain level, doesn't it mean that you want to compete at 'that level' rather than playing at a 'lower level'?

Note to LPGA players: Wie will do to LPGA the way Tiger did for PGA. So work out and eat your vitamines in order to prolong your career. You might just benefit from her presence.

[Grass Roots Tour]

Maybe you're missing the point...don't you think he is doing this because he is tired of having women receiving sponsors exemptions into men's events. Do you realize they are taking spots from players who have qualified for the event and are trying to retain their cards for the next season? Clearly these women have trouble competing with men, it's nothing but a marketing ploy and a quick money grab! So what if Annika or Michelle makes a cut...that's about all they will do against the men. They definitely won't finish near the leaders.:nono:

As one of few who are fans of those who struggle to make cuts, I know better than most whos being hurt by Michelle and Annika testing their metal against the lads. The vast majority of people who call themselves golf fans are only watching the leaders and care not about those who missed the cut. This is not a catagory I fall into, sir. I have great admiration and appreciation for those "not quite there" and I (unlike most) know exactly how much better those players are then your run of the mill local scratch player.

I just don't see VDV making a mark on the sponsors decision to have these gallery great women players exempted due to the huge gallery draw and media attention.

[Queen of the Beach]

I get it.

Like theres nothin to be proud of of you win.

I'd be proud if I beat the LPGA tour, but I don't think thats VDV's thought. I think VDV is an idiot and this is just more proof. Can he possibly think this stunt will make people forget about his collapse at the Open?
Agree with you GRT, JVDV is an idiot.