You "will not have found many Hillary Clinton voters on the professional fairways, but then you would not have discovered too many gloating about Donald Trump’s stunning advance to the presidency," according to James Corrigan of the London TELEGRAPH. In truth, "golf does not know what to think as it continues to tiptoe its path around this moral maze like a drunk trying to find his way out of Augusta National after passing out in the dogwood." For the past 18 months, "it has been wondering what to do about Trump and the influence he bears as an owner of some of the most high-profile courses, including the Ayrshire links which famously played host to the Duel in the Sun." As Trump "upset Mexicans, Muslims and a rather substantial section of the human race known as 'women,' the game’s authorities tried to negotiate their positions through contracts already signed and majors already allotted." Yet "they did so assuming that Trump would be cast as a pariah at the conclusion of that mud-slinging campaign -- and not as the leader of the free world." Certainly, the United States Golf Asscociation "will be relieved." America’s equivalent of the R&A was "expecting the controversy to intensify over its stance to keep next year’s US Women’s Open at Trump’s course in Bedminster, New Jersey." And now? Well, "he is POTUS, and the USGA cannot go around upsetting the Oval Office." One of the reasons for this "will be that Trump and his helicopter will barely be there, if at all." In his new role, "he can hardly drop the issues of the globe to whir on to the first tee to applaud Charley Hull." What "does the R&A do with Trump’s Turnberry?" Amid "all the rancour and recrimination, the championship committee had essentially placed the course on the shelf and given itself some breathing room." But "how long can you keep a president waiting while you continue to unbutton your blazers?" (TELEGRAPH, 11/9). GOLF.com's Michael Bamberger opined Trump is a lifelong golfer and an owner of several golf resorts and private clubs, yet observers "really cannot say" if Trump's presidency will be "good for golf." Former PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem and other golf leaders "distanced themselves from Trump during the campaign." But "who really knows?" After all, "everybody loves a winner" (GOLF.com, 11/9). GOLF DIGEST's Jaime Diaz wrote on the "negative side," Trump has "deeply offended many with his comments, and probably will again." If that "perception of Trump gets traction, it could hurt the image of the game and potentially, participation." On the positive side, "no American president has ever been as tied to or identified with golf." Trump-owned courses in '17 are "scheduled to hold two major championships" -- the Senior PGA Championship at Trump National DC and the U.S. Women’s Open at Trump National Bedminster. It "wouldn't be a shock if Trump made an appearance at either or both" (GOLF DIGEST, 11/9).
