The PGA is distancing itself from President Donald Trump after his supporters stormed the Capitol in an insurrection attempt on January 6.
The first move came Sunday night when the PGA president Jim Richerson released a Twitter statement saying, “The PGA of America Board of Directors voted tonight to exercise the right to terminate the agreement to play the 2022 PGA Championship at Trump Bedminster.”
Martin Slumbers, the CEO of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club that operates the British Open, said in a released statement Monday morning, “We had no plans to stage any of our championships at [Trump] Turnberry and will not do so in the foreseeable future.”
These moves are an effort for major golf organizations and tournaments to distance themselves from Trump. Trump has spent most of his free time during his presidency golfing and has become closely identified with the sport.
“It’s become clear that conducting the PGA Championship at Trump Bedminster would be detrimental to the PGA of America brand and would put at risk the PGA’s ability to deliver on many programs and sustain the longevity of our mission,” Richerson said. “It was a decision made to ensure that PGA of America and PGA professionals can continue to lead and grow our great game for decades to come.”
In response to the announcements, the Trump organization has claimed that the PGA had no reason to terminate their agreement. The organization said, “This is a breach of a binding contract and they have no right to terminate the agreement.”
White House reporter Maggie Haberman says that Trump is “gutted” about the PGA’s decision.
