The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) has withdrawn its plan to require all golfers who have been on tour for at least two years to pass a test confirming their spoken English ability starting next year.

LPGA Commissioner Carolyn Bivens announced the change Friday, saying that she believes there are other ways to improve business opportunities for all players.

The LPGA has been under fire for the new rule since it made the plan public two weeks ago. Male golfers from the Professional Golfers’ Association and leading U.S. newspapers also criticized the requirement, calling it "a discriminatory measure."

Some speculate the requirement was targeting 45 Korean golfers who account for more than 30 percent of the 121 foreign players from 26 countries currently on the tour.

The LPGA invited criticism from politicians in California and other states with high Asian immigrant populations. The politicians had said they would pursue legal action against a spoken English requirement.