Once again, I depart from my usual offering of tales from Big Red and the funnel cake business to report on and give some thoughts into the controversy surrounding the LPGA and possibly the future of women's golf.  As my readers know, I've long been a supporter and follower of the LPGA and its members and have some regular contact with several of the players. This is a week that should be one of the highlights of the women's golf year.  The Women's Open is held this week at Saucon Valley Country Club in Pennsylvania. There will be good television coverage and even the mainstream media that too often ignores women's golf will be following the tournament and its outcome. However, this event this year will be overshadowed by the controversy surrounding Commissioner Carolyn Bivens and an equally controversial decision of the USGA on selection of golfers who will vie for the title. Last week, it was announced that the LPGA had lost the title sponsor for the tours Hawaii stop on Oahu (the SBS Open at Turtle Bay). Earlier in the year, there were reports of McDonalds departing as a title sponsor.  The last two events, the Wegmen's in Pittsfield, NY and the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic in Toledo, Ohio, have no contract for next year even though they both want to continue with sponsorship.  These items fall under the oversight of Commissioner Bivens. Since this directly effects the earning power of the lady professionals, plus brings into questions the overall health of the LPGA, several wrote a letter to the LPGA Board of Directors asking for Bivens resignation.  To my knowledge, the LPGA nor Bivens have made any comment on the matter. Television and media coverage of the LPGA is poor at best.  Many in the male dominated world of golf don't feel the ladies put on the same show as Tiger and his counterparts.  I disagree.  Admittedly, if I had the choice of watching Tiger tied for the lead in the final round of a tournament and an LPGA event, I'd probably watch Tiger too.  However, I'd switch back to the ladies to keep updated.  If most men would be honest, the abilities of the ladies are more comparable to their golfing skills than those of Tiger, Phil, and the PGA pros. Are all of these problems just a byproduct of the economy or is it because of Bivens lack of leadership and management skills?  Someone a lot smarter than me needs to answer that question. One area that I've supported Bivens is the use of LPGA pros in the social media world, especially Twitter.   While more of the PGA pros are embracing social media, the LPGA is way ahead.  This clearly is having a positive effect on the popularity of women's golf. The other problem surrounding this week's Women's Open has nothing to do with Bivens, but she'll catch some blame just because of the other controversy.  The USGA changed its way of selecting players for the Open reducing the top money winners automatic berths from 35 to 10.  As a result, some of the games biggest draws won't be playing this year.  Michelle Wie, ever popular Natalie Gulbis and Vicki Hurst won't be at Saucon Valley.  Under last year's criteria, all three would have made the field. This will also hurt what should be a great week of women's golf. Most of the touring pros are keeping a very low profile on the controversy, not wanting to rock an already rocky boat.  Plus, they need to concentrate on the business at hand, winning the Women's Open. At this point, no one knows what will happen.  Bivens has about 18 months left on her contract.  I just hope there isn't much more bad news for the tour. The problems are serious enough that there are some interesting suggestions coming forward.  One of the golfers would like to see the PGA take over the LPGA.  With the marketing and popularity of the PGA, not a bad idea. Melanie Hauser, a journalist and golf writer, threw out the name of Nancy Lopez (plus a couple of others) as possible successors to Bivens.  I like Nancy a lot and her name would bring some benefit to the Commissioners office. And, my friend, Andy Brown of Andy Brown Golf and Home of Golf TV from St Andrews, said he hopes the Board can find leadership that can transform the LPGA. I just hope all of this mess does not put too much tarnish on that trophy to be awarded Sunday night.  And that the rest of the week can focus on the positive side of women's golf.