Golf bodies jointly tell Trump he’s not ‘right’ on immigration comments
Univision. NBCUniversal. Macy’s. They’ve all severed ties with 2016 presidential candidate Donald Trump over remarks he made about immigration and Mexicans. The two broadcast powers have refused to air the Miss Universe pageant, which Trump partially owns, on July 12, and Mexican officials affiliated with the outdated pageant have said they won’t send a representative to the event.
Trump has responded in-kind with harsh remarks, particularly through Twitter, setting ablaze any potential future relationship with these companies.
However, while Trump has been battling on multiple fronts, he believed he has the backing of the golf world.
“I’ve had tremendous support from the golf world, because they all know I’m right,” Trump said to GolfWorld’s Tim Rosaforte. “I’ve been great to golf. I’ve been investing while everybody else was fleeing.”
Trump believes his record of employing people of Latin and Hispanic descent is a demonstration of nuance in his remarks about illegal immigration.
“I have Mexicans and South Americans working for me all over the country and believe me, they love me and I love them,” Trump said. “I think they’re great. I’ve had great support and I haven’t heard one negative thing and frankly I don’t expect to.”
Golf collectively spoke to Trump on Wednesday afternoon, and, in fact, they have a problem with what Trump said.
The PGA Tour, LPGA, PGA of America and USGA issued a joint statement condemning Trump’s comments on illegal immigration.
“In response to Mr. Trump’s comments about the golf industry ‘knowing he is right’ in regards to his recent statements about Mexican immigrants, we feel compelled to clarify that those remarks do not reflect the views of our organizations,” the statement read, according to GolfChannel.com.
“While the LPGA, PGA of America, PGA Tour and USGA do not usually comment on Presidential politics, Mr. Trump’s comments are inconsistent with our strong commitment to an inclusive and welcoming environment in the game of golf.”
Trump owns two courses which are played annually (during the same week) on the PGA Tour: Trump Doral, home to the WGC-Cadillac Championship, and Trump International in Puerto Rico, home to the Puerto Rico Open. His Trump National Los Angeles will host the PGA of America’s Grand Slam of Golf, while his Trump National property in suburban D.C. will host the 2017 Senior PGA Championship and Trump National in Bedminster, N.J., will host the 2022 PGA Championship. Trump’s newest purchase, the Scottish Turnberry resort, will host this year’s Women’s British Open.
Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.
