PGA of America permanently cancels the Grand Slam of Golf
The PGA of America has put its Grand Slam of Golf on permanent hiatus.
The event, which began in 1979, typically featured the four major champions in a 36-hole event. Prior to 2015, the tournament had been played for eight years in the Bahamas. However, last year, the event was to move to Trump National Los Angeles.
The PGA of America somewhat abruptly canceled the event, however, when Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump made disparaging comments about Mexican immigrants. The original intent was to bring back the Grand Slam of Golf, but this decision effectively ends the tournament for good.
In announcing the decision, the PGA of America referenced the modern, year-round aspect of the global golf calendar as the primary motivation.
“When the PGA Grand Slam of Golf was launched in 1979, the golf world was much different than it is today,” the PGA of America said in a statement. “The PGA Tour’s wrap-around schedule, the European Tour’s Race to Dubai, plus other important international events, make the fall schedule very busy and hectic for the top players in the world. It had also become challenging to attract fans, television viewership and media interest.
“While we have enjoyed staging the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, given those many factors, the timing is right to discontinue the event.”
Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.
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