PGA Will Not Host 2022 Tour on Trump Course
The board no longer wishes to be associated with Trump’s brand.
After the attack on the United States Capitol by a large crowd of supporters for President Donald Trump, numerous brands and businesses have been publicly reexamining their associations with the President and those under him. Multiple large brands have either cut off funding to prolific Republican senators and lawmakers or requested money already sent be returned to them. The latest of these brands is the PGA of America, who made a decision regarding the staging ground of the 2022 tour.
On Sunday, PGA of America President Jim Richerson spoke on behalf of the tour board in announcing that the 2022 tour would not be hosted at the Trump National Golf Club Bedminster 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,” Richerson’s announcement read.
The PGA is one of the largest players in men’s professional golf, which is, incidentally, one of President Trump’s favorite pastimes and a typical target of his investments.
“It has become clear that conducting the PGA Championship at Trump Bedminster would be detrimental to the PGA of America brand, it would put at risk the PGA’s ability to deliver our many programs, and sustain the longevity of our mission,” Richerson added in a video address. “It was a decision made to ensure that PGA of America and the PGA Professionals can continue to lead and grow our great game for decades to come.”
The 2022 PGA Championship will not be played at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey, according to an announcement from PGA of America President Jim Richerson https://t.co/aynHJ5rSp7
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) January 11, 2021
In a response to Richerson’s announcement, The Trump Organization claimed that the PGA’s decision “is a breach of a binding contract and they have no right to terminate the agreement.”
Sports columnist Rick Reilly has speculated on Trump’s reaction to the cancellation. “This is going to be as bad as losing the election, which he did and he can’t deny any more than he can deny he no longer has a major.”
He went on to say that Trump “might think he can sue, but it’s over. The PGA will write whatever check they have to. He’s done.”