Golf’s governing body, headquartered in Scotland, privately decided that Donald Trump's reputation "is now so toxic that the newly renamed Trump Turnberry can no longer host" The Open tournament, according to James Cusick of the London INDEPENDENT. Controversial remarks made by Trump in his campaign for the Republican nomination -- about Muslims, Mexicans, Chinese and women, among others -- "have given him a near-pariah status in the global game, raising the risk of a boycott by sponsors and international players." But in June, Trump called Mexican immigrants "rapists" and called for a wall to be built along the U.S.-Mexico border. The comment, according to R&A insiders, "raised eyebrows about what might come next."
One member said on Sunday that, "Those who forecast worse would come, including warnings from our American cousins, have been proved correct." But his call for a "total and complete shutdown" of U.S. borders to all Muslims, until, as he claimed, "our country’s representatives figure out what’s going on," appears to have been the final straw for the R&A.
One member, close to the championship committee, said, "One word was thrown around: Enough." Although the R&A is stuffed full of establishment figures, Turnberry with Trump "is now seen as a risk they will not take." Another insider said, "2020 will not happen here. Turnberry will be back. But perhaps not Trump Turnberry" (INDEPENDENT, 12/13).
MAKING WAVES: In London, James Corrigan wrote the PGA Tour’s announcement that it will consider moving the WGC-Cadillac Championship from Trump’s Doral resort "has caused a ripple throughout the professional game that could turn into a tide of disapproval." The European Tour "will also have a say in the WGC’s future, although it, too, is apparently ready to cut links with Trump." When contacted on Saturday, a spokesperson for the European Tour said, "In 2016, the European Tour will play in 26 countries across five continents. We are proud of this cultural diversity, which is one of our many strengths, and therefore we do not condone the comments made by Mr. Trump. In terms of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, we are still considering future locations and will make an announcement on that in due course." Slowly, but seemingly surely, the sport "is beginning to side against Trump, with his home circuit set to lead the way." The PGA Tour said, "Mr Trump’s comments are inconsistent with our strong commitment to an inclusive and welcoming environment in the game of golf" (TELEGRAPH, 12/12).
