The PGA of America, which this week decided to move its Grand Slam of Golf from Donald Trump's course in L.A., last year was "wary of doing business" with Trump, but still decided to "bring two of its major championships to golf courses owned by the billionaire businessman," according to Alex Miceli of GOLFWEEK. A source said that PGA of America President Derek Sprague at the time "was incensed" about a news leak, as a story outlining the deal appeared the day before a scheduled news conference to "disclose two PGA majors for Trump courses." Sprague "suspected that Trump had been the source." PGA of America CEO Pete Bevacqua and then-President Ted Bishop "steered the PGA toward dealing with Trump." Bishop: "When Pete came to me about Trump, I was 100 percent in favor of working with him. Under former CEO Joe Steranka, the PGA was not interested in working with Trump. It was just a non-starter with Joe." Bevacqua suggested that they would "need to manage Trump and that PGA officials should expect the unexpected with him" (GOLFWEEK.com, 7/8). In Miami, Greg Cote writes under the header, "Golf Should Do Right Thing, Cut All Ties With Donald Trump," noting the sport has a chance to "pick principle over Donald Trump’s billions." Trump’s "outrageous, broad-swipe comments disparaging Mexicans should have this sport disassociating itself from his name and brand." Trump has "become a sugar daddy for the sport." He "began to invest in golf five or six years ago, when the sport’s economic struggles made it ripe for his involvement." The "out-front, attention-loving Trump wants to be the centerpiece of any tournament he hosts." Golf fans arriving at the WGC event in Doral each year "walk past his conspicuously parked helicopter." No sport or tournament right now "should want the face of its event to be Trump’s" (MIAMI HERALD, 7/9).
