If you need further proof that women are paid less than men look at the Ladies Professional Golf Association, the LPGA. Recently the LPGA held a major event at the Rancho Mirage course, Mission Hills, in Palm Springs, California. It was announced that this would be the last time–after nearly 50 years–that the event would be held on this course. By comparison, golf courses fight for the opportunity to host a men’s major golf tournament. The three men’s majors are movable but always highly sought after. So why do the women have to face being evicted after 49 years? It’s always money. TV sponsor money–to be specific. Typically on-course fan attendance pays for course maintenance and repair but prize money comes from network advertising. So moving from Mission Hills means that the front-money sponsor didn’t think they got their ad money value or the course didn’t cover its maintenance costs or both. And remember this is a LPGA Major long-standing event. More proof on the money angle: last week there were 3 pro golf tournaments held, the men’s, the women’s and the senior men’s (Champions). Here is the prize money comparison: Men’s – $8.1 million; Women’s – $1.5 million; Senior men’s – $2.0 million. These numbers reflect the value of ad dollars. It’s not about gender equality; it’s about money. Where equality and financial considerations cross swords–finance wins EVERY TIME.
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