LPGA boss says sport trumps boycott push
RANCHO MIRAGE: While the ANA Inspiring Women in Sports Conference was underway this week, a plane flew over Mission Hills towing a banner reading: “USGA & LPGA: DUMP TRUMP”.
The banner, sponsored by women’s advocacy group UltraViolet, referred to July’s US Women’s Open championship scheduled to be played at the US president’s Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
Many people have called for the championship to be moved in light of Donald Trump’s controversial remarks about women during his presidential campaign.
But the game is still on for Bedminster and LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan said most of the tour’s players prefer not to mix politics with sport.
“It’s obviously gotten the attention of a lot of people and I think I probably get about 50 calls a day from both sides of the coin,” LPGA chief Whan told Reuters ahead of the ANA Inspiration tournament, where players during a practice round on Tuesday could hardly avoid seeing the anti-Trump banner flying overheard.
“The one comment I’ve gotten consistently from players is ‘don’t let politics get in the way of our opportunities’,” Whan said.
“Whether they like Trump, dislike Trump, who they voted for, who they didn’t vote for, what they realise is making it to a US Women’s Open is the ultimate, ultimate privilege and reward.”
The Women’s Open is run by the US Golf Association, not the LPGA, though most of the competitors will be LPGA members.
UltraViolet said more than 100,000 people have signed a petition calling on the US Golf Association and LPGA Tour to move the event, which it says would provide Trump millions of dollars in revenue, free advertising and branding.
Lizette Salas, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, many of whom have been stung by Trump comments about those who have crossed the US border illegally, said she looked forward to competing.
“I’ve gotten requests to boycott it and to not play in it because of what he has said,” Salas told Reuters. “For me, it’s a golf tournament, regardless of who’s name it is, or who is hosting it.
“It’s our national championship and I wouldn’t miss it. It’s a golf tournament, not a political debate. I’m just going to go out there and do my thing and hopefully win it. That is my dream and I know it is a dream for others.”