PGA strips Trump club of right to hold championship

GOLF

PALM Beach Gardens, Florida: Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, which is owned by United States President Donald Trump, has been stripped of the 2022 PGA Championship, the PGA of America said yesterday.

‘‘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,’’ PGA of America president Jim Richerson tweeted.

In a video posted on the organisation's website, Richerson added that hosting the tournament at the course in New Jersey would tarnish the PGA of America’s image.

It did not disclose a replacement venue.

‘‘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 programmes and sustain the longevity of our mission.''

A representative for the Trump Organisation said they were ‘‘incredibly disappointed’’ with the decision.

‘‘We have had a beautiful partnership with the PGA of America ... This is a breach of a binding contract and they have no right to terminate the agreement.

‘‘As an organisation we have invested many millions of dollars in the 2022 PGA Championship at Trump National Golf Club.

‘‘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.’’

The decision to move the men's major comes after Trump exhorted thousands of supporters to march on the Capitol in Washington on Thursday as Congress met to certify his defeat to Joe Biden, prompting chaos in which crowds breached the building.

Five people died in the rampage. — Field Level Media