Modeling agency invades LPGA

June 25th, 2008 | Posted by PostmanR

The fusion of women and sports has long been a subject of debate. People still bemoan Title IX, insomuch as it’s limited the amount of men’s collegeiate programs across the country. But perhaps the most tedious issues that befuddles women’s athletics today is the line drawn between the sport and the body. There are a few schools of thought here: 1) women’s bodies and looks and appearance should be “celebrated” (I still have never understood what we are celebrating … but I’m in! 2) an athlete’s physical appearance should not determine their popularity if they aren’t very good at what they do (See: Anna Kournikova) and 3) we are all dirty, dirty men and we should stop objectifying them for our own personal enjoyment. (Reading back through this, I realize I’m not entirely schooled on this subject — so forgive ladies of the land.)

But anyhow, Wilhelmina Artist Management has stepped in to sex up the LPGA. (Sweet!)

So Esch decided it would be a great idea to put the golfers in something different, something the casual public does not see them in, at least up to now.

Like bikinis. Like lingerie. Like evening gowns.

“This was perfect, to show the world there are sexy, athletic women who can play,” said Esch, who is using his company and his clout to turn seven female pro players into model citizens.

They are the Wilhelmina 7, a hand-picked group of seven LPGA pros represented by Wilhelmina Artist Management, a division of the New York modeling agency that includes such clients as singers Fergie and Ciara and actress Heather Graham.

Kim Hall was the first player recruited by Esch. The 26-year-old, a three-time All-Pacific 10 Conference player at Stanford, loved the photographs of her in a swimsuit. So did her husband, Casey.

“It was nice to feel glamorous,” said Hall, one of four in the group who is playing in the U.S. Women’s Open this week at Interlachen Country Club. “I’d rather be known for my golf, but it’s a bonus when you’re considered attractive. It’s flattering. It’s kind of nice to be one of the ‘cute’ ones.”

What has always confused me about the anti-school of thought on women athletes showing of their body is that it leads to more exposure, which leads to more fans, more publicity and more money. And I’m not entirely sure what is wrong with that. This is America. Sex sells. Simple as that.

/awaits angry comments, receives none because no one reads this anyways