Plans to host the 2022 PGA Championship at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J. were cancelled in the days following the January 6th Capitol Insurrection. The Trump Organization originally called the move “a breach of a binding contract” and said the PGA had “no right to terminate the agreement.” In a joint statement, representatives from both sides expressed satisfaction with the settlement, the terms of which will remain confidential.
The PGA of America (“PGA”) and The Trump Organization have reached a settlement resolving their ongoing dispute regarding the PGA’s decision to cancel its contract with Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J. to host the 2022 PGA Championship.
The PGA announced in 2014 that it would hold its 2022 championship at Trump Bedminster, CNBC reported. The organization pulled the plug on those plans days after a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol in an effort to block certification of Joe Biden’s election win.
“It’s 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 on many programs and sustain the longevity of our mission,” PGA of America President Jim Richerson said at the time.
The Trump Organization originally called the move “a breach of a binding contract” and said the PGA had “no right to terminate the agreement.” C+RB reported on the dispute at the time. C+RB later reported that Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Okla. was awarded the event.
While the terms of the settlement will remain confidential, representatives from both the PGA and the Trump Organization expressed satisfaction with the agreement.
“The Trump Organization’s contribution to the golf community is appreciated,” the PGA of America wrote in a statement. “We are thankful the company employs hundreds of dedicated PGA Professionals and consistently gives back to the golf community through hosting charitable events and sponsoring junior golf programs. As stated in 2014 when announced, Trump Bedminster is a major championship-worthy golf course and in a portfolio along with some of the finest private and public golf courses anywhere in the world.”
Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization, echoed the PGA’s sentiment.
“We have great respect for the work of the PGA,” Trump wrote. “Over the past 20+ years, we have enjoyed working with the PGA to deliver to our club members and the public some of the greatest golf experiences anywhere in the world. We look forward to continuing to support the mission of the PGA and its Professionals, who are the best in the golf industry.”
Donald Trump also weighed in in a statement, CNBC reported, hailing the settlement as “wonderful conclusion for all. Thank you to the PGA of America!”
Trump, who famously said he would be too busy to golf if he were elected president in the 2016 campaign, wound up being a prolific golfer while in office, mostly playing at his own courses, CNBC reported. An NBC News tally of his golfing trips totaled over 250 during his time in office, but an exact number was difficult to track. His administration often tried to hide Trump’s activity, keeping his traveling press pool away and refusing to confirm whether he played golf.
While in office, he was one of the sport’s biggest boosters, awarding the country’s highest civilian honor, the Medal of Freedom, to four golfers, including Tiger Woods.
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