THE RULE

The LPGA Tour will require players to speak English starting in 2009, with players who have been LPGA members for two years facing suspension if they can't pass an oral evaluation of English skills. The rule is effective immediately for new players.

There is no such rule on the PGA Tour.

There are 121 international LPGA players from 26 countries, including 45 from South Korea.

THE REASON

"Why now? Athletes now have more responsibilities and we want to help their professional development," deputy commissioner Libba Galloway told The Associated Press. "There are more fans, more media and more sponsors. We want to help our athletes as best we can succeed off the golf course as well as on it."

THE RECEPTION

Golfweek magazine, which first reported the policy, said every South Korean player it interviewed believed she would lose her card -- not be suspended -- if she failed the English test.

THE REACTION

- "A lot of Korean players think they are being targeted, but it's just because there are so many of them." -- Angela Park, born in Brazil of South Korean heritage

- "The economy is bad, and we are losing sponsors. Everybody understands." -- Seon-Hwa Lee

- "This is an American tour. It is important for sponsors to be able to interact with players and have a positive experience." -- Kate Peters, director of the LPGA State Farm Classic

- Galloway denied the move was based on sponsors.

-- Associated Press