In a move that certainly shocked many, the LPGA informed its players next year on tour a new policy will be in place.  All players must pass an oral evaluation of english skills.  It wasn't clear whether once a player passed, they would be exempt from further tests, which would make sense.

More importantly, it sent a message to international players that the LPGA was serious about trying to grow its brand and players.  Since many of the players couldn't/wouldn't speak english, the efforts to continue to grow sponsorship, fan base, etc. was proving to be difficult when the media wasn't able to communicate with some of the rising stars of the tour.

The timing is interesting since some of the players will have a few months to get working on learning a new language.  That's not easy!  If you've every tried learning a new language, just like anything, it takes time and repetition to learn.  Good luck to those girls this new rule effects.  Here's a link to view an article on the new policy.