Pete Madden at Golf.com reports that the PGA Tour, issuing a statement in response to a question about the status of Trump Doral, says it will be looking at possible alternatives following the 2016 WGC event at Doral
"We continue to stand by our earlier statement, and the statement of other golf organizations, that Mr. Trump's comments are inconsistent with our strong commitment to an inclusive and welcoming environment in the game of golf. The PGA Tour has had a 53-year commitment to the Doral community, the greater Miami area and the charities that have benefited from the tournament. Given this commitment, we are moving forward with holding the 2016 event at the Blue Monster. Immediately after the completion of the 2016 tournament, we will explore all options regarding the event's future."
That's an unprecedented PGA Tour public statement, especially for a tournament venue that has enjoyed a 53-year association with the tour.
Where does this leave Trump and golf? Dangling, precariously. Though it's hard to fathom how any golf tournament feeling safe going forward at one of his courses. Bear with me.
Joel Beall does a very nice job of encapsulating the many dynamics facing golf in light of Trump's rise as an uber-controversial presidential candidate. Including golf's desire to appear more inclusive, only to have many stereotypes seemingly reinforced by The Donald's views.
Beall writes at GolfDigest.com:
In the five months since Trump announced his presidential ambitions, the real estate magnate has made contentious remarks towards Muslims, Mexicans, Asians, African-Africans, Jews, Seventh-day Adventists, POWs, women, and the disabled. If his campaign, which has a 20-percent lead in the Republican national polls, continues its cadence, it's probable more sects will be disparaged.
The only groups that apparently haven't been insulted are the PGA Tour, PGA of America and USGA.
The New York Times' editorial board wondered today about the impact on Trump's brand from a purely commercial point of view based on his recent campaign trail remarks.
Of course, each business will make its own decision of whether and how they want to be associated with Mr. Trump. Some might have invested so much money and time in the Trump brand that they will stick with it, presumably hoping that the public furor over his comments will subside. (Given the rate at which he is insulting people, they might be waiting for a while.)
Inevitably, chances are this will blow over and, like Ross Perot, Trump will be remembered for having impacted a presidential campaign while creating an international stir.
He has also ensured that he will need very good security for the remainder of his life. Which brings me to the point.
There is one issue related to his recent statements which supercedes previous controversial comments about Mexicans: Trump's stance on Muslim immigration potentially creates a permanent security risk at his golf facilities. Particularly when the general public is invited on those grounds for championships.
With his comments, Trump has targeted (and maybe even incited) radicals who have a track record of retaliating with extreme, unimaginable violence. While Trump has started to demonstrate he has a taste--even a knack--for the golf course turnaround (with Doral's revitalization and exciting plans for Turnberry), it's becoming increasingly difficult to imagine fans and players feeling safe at tournaments played at those venues going forward.
That concern, along with the reaction of officials who have to answer to sponsors if something should happen, may spell the doom of Trump facilties hosting major events.
No matter how good a PGA at Doral or an Open at Turnberry might have been, the ultimate increase in security concerns and costs may create the ultimate branding and logistical nightmare.
America the beautiful!
