The PGA of America has confirmed that Donald Trump’s Bedminster course will not host the 2022 PGA Championship anymore, following last week’s drama at the Capitol in Washington.
Trump’s reign as president of the United States is ending controversially, with many social-media platforms either banning or restricting the outspoken public figure.
Last week a large group of Trump supporters illegally stormed the Capitol building, resulting in uncontrolled violence and leaving dead five people, including a police officer.
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As a result, the PGA announced on Sunday evening that it will be cancelling the agreement made with the Trump course back in 2014 to host the Major in New Jersey.
‘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,’ said PGA of America president Jim Richerson.
‘It has 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 our many programs and sustain the longevity of our mission.’
“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.” — Jim Richerson, PGA of America President
— PGA of America (@PGA) January 11, 2021
The event is due to be held in May next year and Bethpage Black, Southern Hills and Valhalla have all been identified as possible alternative venues.
PGA CEO Seth Waugh added in an interview with the Associated Press that being associated with Trump will only damage the organisation’s reputation under the current political climate.
‘We find ourselves in a political situation note of our making. We’re fiduciaries for our members, for the game, for our mission and for our brand. And how do we best protect that? Our feeling was given the tragic events of Wednesday that we could no longer hold it at Bedminster. The damage could have been irreparable. The only real course of action was to leave.’
In response to the decision, the Trump organisation expressed its disappointment.
‘This is a breach of a binding contract and they have no right to terminate the agreement. As an organisation we have invested many, many millions of dollars in the 2022 PGA Championship at Trump National Golf Club, Bedminster. We will continue to promote the game of golf on every level and remain focused on operating the finest golf courses anywhere in the world.’
