SteveElling

For those of you who might wonder why the LPGA, as an entity, generates more rolling eyes and smirks among the national media than any other golf organization, well, read onward.

There's not just an absence of leadership. There's an absence of conscience.

This week's U.S. Women's Open represents the biggest event in the game, but this time around, there are other pending issues that rank far higher on the pecking order in importance, including the insurrection being staged by prominent LPGA members to force the ouster of commissioner Carolyn Bivens.

Or, if you are pampered American princess Cristie Kerr, there's also the matter of her all-encompassing, inestimably important winemaking venture.

Kerr was one of the stars present a few days ago when key players -- who also included Lorena Ochoa, Paula Creamer and Morgan Pressel -- drafted a letter to the LPGA board of directors asking that Bivens be replaced. But on Tuesday, Kerr didn't have the guts to even address the situation. Instead, she spoke from a prepared statement and deflected attention before a question could be raised.

She read aloud, in part: "As a former champion of this prestigious event, I can honestly say that this course, the community and the field for this year's event is going to provide a memorable week. I happen to think it's one of my favorite U.S. Open golf courses I've ever played. I also realize many of you in this room probably have questions and concerns and issues involving the LPGA.

"Out of respect for the (host) USGA, I'm asking that questions at this time be reserved for the U.S. Open or questions about myself and my golf and perhaps my wine making. I cannot comment on matters pertaining to the LPGA operations as I do not have an official capacity to do that.

"What I will say is that our player organization is very focused on how these difficult economic times affect our tour, and we are actively working with our executive board of management to create the best product for our partners and fans, so let's talk about the U.S. Open this week."

Her W-I-N-E-M-A-K-I-N-G?

Kerr is among the sword-waving mutineers, won't stand up and be counted, yet is arrogant and selfish enough to pimp her line of wines instead? She "cannot comment" on the rift among the LPGA players and the top brass? She clearly has an opinion, or she wouldn;t have attended the mutiny meeting in the first place.

The last ship that sailed with a captain and crew this lame was manned by a guy named Gilligan. Sounds to me like the commissioner and some of these players deserve each other.