A co-worker just forwarded me a Fox Sports article that begins like this:

"For the past several years, the LPGA has impressed upon its membership the importance of communicating effectively in English. As the game's dominance shifts to the East, the LPGA has strengthened its stance. Learning English no longer is a tour suggestion; it's a requirement."

OK, since the LPGA is an American organization, I won't argue this policy. However, I will suggest that it work both ways.

• From here on out all cyclists riding in the Tour de France must speak French.
• All golfers traveling to Scotland to play in the British Open must be able to use the Scots word "sleekit" in a sentence and eat an entire haggis at a single sitting.
• Wanna join a hurling league? First, please complete this intensive Gaelic course.
• Young cager headed to Italy? Language tests -- in Italian and the regional dialect -- now administered before joining training camp.
• Veteran baseball star headed to Japan? You'll be fined a game's pay for every English word you utter after your plane lands in Tokyo.
• French Open? Better ace Francais 203.
• Wimbledon? Pinkies out at tea time lads or you forfeit your ranking.
• Wanna race against Schumacher? You've got to file your request in German (please write in gothic script).