LPGA players to pose semi-nude for Espn

In an upcoming edition of ESPN the magazine, three LPGA players will be posing semi-nude. Sandra Gal, a second year player from Germany, Christina Kim, a veteran in her seventh year on tour, and Anna Grzebien, a second year player from Duke have decided to pose for the shoot.

The issue, set for release October 9th, will be called "Bodies" and will feature both male and female athletes in various states of undress. This is a way for the magazine to compete with Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue.

The LPGA players will appear in golf themed photos with items such as clubs, balls, and carts, etc.

David Higdon, LPGA chief communications officer, has already taken a defensive stance on the issue stating "ESPN The Magazine is one of the premier sports publications in the world, and they will put extensive promotional muscle behind this issue. So unless we get surprised by the nature of the shoot and/or feature positioning, then I expect this issue and our involvement in it will provide considerable exposure for our sport at a time when we are ramping up for an exciting finish to the 2009 season."

The LPGA is currently going through a very difficult time. With many sponsors dropping out due to the economy, they have only 16 set events for 2010. Carolyn Bivens, the commissioner, was outed by the players this year after not attaining enough business.

Either way, the ESPN magazine shoot will surely bring attention to the LPGA, which is much needed at this time. It will certainly strike up some controversy about whether or not golf and sex should mix. Only time will tell if this photo shoot will bring more positive or negative attention to the tour.

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