Just yesterday I posted on the changing image of Natalie Gulbis. That post generated quite a bit of commentary on female golfers using their looks in marketing. Then today I came upon this interesting article about an ultra-elite female golfer and how her looks have affected the way she's perceived, and undoubtedly, her own self-image. The article, an interview with LPGA Hall of Fame golfer Pak Se-ri, appeared in Korea's The Chosun Ilbo, a couple of weeks ago, just prior to the Samsung World Championship. The talented 29-year-old Korean revealed that when when she started to play in the LPGA a decade ago, people gossiped about her being ugly... and that now they say she looks prettier, and seem to speculate she's had work done "on her jaw, her nose, here and there". She admitted she had had eyelid surgery to correct an eye problem that interfered with her playing, but says that's the extent of it. She laughed off the speculation and said, "I try to remember that all the gossip just means that I've become prettier, and not get offended by it." then added, "And if I really tried to fix my face, I'd make me look much better than I do now!" That's a refreshing attitude, isn't it?
What all of this brings to light however, is that women golfers face an additional pressure, beyond that of playing golf at their highest possible level, and that is; how much attention should I give to my looks, when those looks are going to make such a significant difference in the amount of money I'm able to make in my career? Men face no such decision. There just isn't a high enough value placed and a man's looks to have them make a significant difference in his earning potential.
I agree with some of my readers though; if a man's physical appearance did have the same impact on his earnings as a woman's has on hers, there would be a lot of guys, at all different levels of golf, who would be shamelessly working that angle to the max.
I would hate to think that part of what Tiger makes on his product endorsement deals are not based on the way he looks.
ReplyDeleteI will agree that maybe some pressure should be put on the men to do something about the way they look. However, like the women...for some just losing weight and getting into shape is all it takes, but for the most part that would not be enough.
I think Sri shedding the pressures of being Korea's most important person has helped her to be happier which is what we are see in her right now...a very happy lady.
Oh yes, Tiger's looks are definitely one part of what makes him so marketable, however, a much smaller part than a woman's looks are for her marketability. Also, the standards for men's looks are much broader. Annika and Lorena are both quite good looking and in great shape, probably as good looking and fit as Tiger, yet I maintain they could both make substantially more ... from completely legitimate sponsors...if they glammed up their looks. That wouldn't work for Tiger. You see what I'm saying?
ReplyDeleteI have been away for a few days and didn’t get a chance to comment on your topic of Natalie Gulbis.
ReplyDeleteThe nay-sayers and the negative comments are most likely from non golfers who have never watched Natalie hit a 3 wood 250 yards or SeRi hit her driver 290 yards. These ladies are genuine down to earth really nice people who excel in a very demanding sport.
Not all of them are valley girls but we shouldn’t be criticizing them for their good looks or short skirts
I always thought Se Ri was a babe
ReplyDeleteputting se ri and natalie in the same discussion is ridiculous! si re is a true champion who has acheived a status in golf that only few (man or women) can compare to.
ReplyDeletenatalie is clever and has figured out how to market her talent and good looks and manipulate the media and public for a while.
the fact that nit-wits on this blog think that her abilities in branding herself by wiggling her tits and ass trnslates into superstardom in golf is laughable. every pro on the lpga and the minitours can hit a three wood a mile - straight down the middle - they are all scratch golfers - what makes a champion is being able to put it all together time and time again esp. for the big events... not once... is is not even in the top 20 for christ sake!
si re has been on top over and over for years and years - natalie hasn't done shit, except sell her soul to the marketing/media devils - she may someday become a champion but this blogger doubts
it very much. the road from golf stripper to role model is a very, very slippery slope.
Respectfully Anonymous, I think you're missing the point of this particular article. The point is that a woman's physical appearance is a significant factor in her earning power as professional golfer.
ReplyDeleteI'm not saying that Natalie Gulbis plays at the same level as Pak Se-ri, only that they both, as women, have the potential to substantially increase their earnings by hightlighting their looks and sex-appeal. And from what I read this is something that all of these women must consider once they get to a certain level. Some of them choose to work the glamour and sexiness, others not, but I think we can be pretty sure that all of them have advisors, managers, sponsors and the LPGA itself urging them to pay attention to the sex appeal factor.
That was the point I was trying to make, I think it's quite interesting.
This rationalization of the disgrace that Gulbis has made of herself is just another example of the "hovering" baby boomers who are ready to excuse and protect even the grossest transgressions from their offspring.
ReplyDeleteGeez you folks even go on job interviews with your kids. When I read comments supporting a phony like Natalie from what I know to be very intelligent folks, as yourselves, it scares me to death. I think our society and way of life are in serious jepordy - the "American Way" is in serious decline my friends. We think we can "position" and "spin" anything - dissssss----gusting!
Golf Girl
ReplyDeletebut you compare a manipulative, overhyped maybe-someday-girl to a true champion. You also seem to be in awe of "branding" and "hype" over substance and true accomplishment....
please......
I'm comparing the two only in so far as they are both women, both in the LPGA and both subject to more intense scrutiny over their physical appearances and personal styles than male golfer are. That said, Pak Se-ri is definitely a true champion... AND I also happen to like Natalie Gulbis and enjoy watching her... and I don't feel she symbolizes the decline of the American Way. Gosh, the European golfers, Sophie Sandolo, etc, and the Aussies Nicki Garret etc, market the sex appeal of their golfers much more aggressively than we do, and even the Koreans are going in that direction with the Seoul Sisters brand.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I'm "in awe of branding and hype" but I do feel that it's a big part of entertainment (including sports) these days, where ever you go in the world. My mission is to report on it and encourage lively discussion. I definitely feel I've succeeded with this post and I thank everyone for commenting.
True dat, yo. Don't worry if they holla at ya GG. You one sexy bomb, my Nigga.
ReplyDeleteps I want my cornors back.
I always think Se Ri Pak carries herself very well. But, Natalie is quite different, she is definitely popular. The other Korean that I think has the talent and beauty and class is Grace Park.. But she is pretty much out of the circuit now.
ReplyDeleteI think Se-ri is gorgeous. Natalie annoys me to no end.
ReplyDeleteBut I also think some of the guys who don't win the big tourneys but are usually in contention still get some big big endorsement deals due to their looks. i.e. Camillo and Adam Scott.