Where Do Golf's Leading Bodies Stand On Trump?

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Forget the question of where you stand on Donald Trump politically--even though most seem to despise the man as he racks up votes and states in the Republican presidential primary.

I'm more interested in knowing if anyone understands where the PGA Tour, USGA, PGA of America and R&A stand with the man.

After all, they joined forces to condemn him last July in a strongly-worded, unprecedented Four-Of-Five Family statement. The PGA Tour continues to signal in roundabout ways that they won't mind the Doral partnership ending this week, though much of that tension may stem from philosophic course setup differences.

Upon consuming some pre-Doral writings and a well-produced TV piece (like the one from Golf Channel hosted by Gary Williams), I'm more confused than ever as to where they all stand on the man. We've heard how he's bad, he's wrong, he's divisive, he's Mussolini, he's...we still kind of like him!

I sense Golf.com's Cameron Morfit has picked up this weird inconsistency, prompting a commentary calling on the tour to cut ties with Trump:

It was only two years ago that the PGA of America swiftly fired President Ted Bishop for calling Ian Poulter a "lil girl" on social media. Compared to Trump's bombast, Bishop's slip-up seems small, but context is everything. Golf was and is in the midst of a reckoning as it deals with declining participation; the sport needs little girls to feel welcome at their local course, not wondering why one of the sport's leaders would use "lil girl" as an insult.

And in Karen Crouse's NY Times analysis of the Trump-golf relationship, there was this from the former Carter Administration member who makes political donations (not that there's anything wrong with that!).

In January, at a tour stop outside Palm Springs., the PGA commissioner, Tim Finchem, was asked about the extent of former President Bill Clinton’s involvement with the event. The Clinton Foundation was one of the sponsors, but Clinton, a tireless promoter of the tournament in recent years, was spending time on the campaign trail with his wife, Hillary Clinton, a front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination.
“We like to think that presidential politics doesn’t affect the situation here,” Finchem said.

Perhaps with an eye toward defusing any controversy here, Finchem added that the tour and its tournaments were “apolitical” and said, “We’re going to stay that way.”

In golf's leadership world, they're still taking tournaments to his courses and passing opportunities to break free. It's as if they are afraid to say goodbye. And since Mr. Trump could be the Republican nominee and America's next president, you can't blame them for wanting a line to the White House. It's a lot sexier than a line to Mara-a-Lago.

So just admit it Mssrs. Finchem, Bevacqua, Davis and Slumbers: you don't like his comments but also fear getting on Mr. Trump's bad side. Or admit you like his courses and the markets they're in because you're all about the bottom line.

But don't condemn the man and his positions, and then continue to do business with him as he doesn't soften his more controversial stances. That inconsistency brings more shame to the game than taking a traditional stance on such a divisive figure.

Video: Over The Shoulder Shot, Tends His Own Flag Too

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The #indofreestylegolf gang's @_andreyo is at it again, making a hard sport that much harder. But it's still fun to watch...

Rio Test Event No-Shows Invalidating Olympic Golf!?

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There is plenty of apathy toward Olympic golf and certainly one can understand if the ill will is prompted by the format or clogged golf schedule.

But to suggest that a weak field for next week's one-day test event is proof positive seems like a silly stretch. It should be remembered that this test event is one day, and a day that has moved around with great uncertainty. It's hardly a shock that the world's best players were not clamoring to get to Rio for 18 holes.

My colleague at GolfDigest.com, Joel Beall, counted the weak field as business as usual for Olympic golf's return. I can accept that point of view, but it was AP's Tim Dahlberg's column that made no sense, unless it was a continuation of the weird Associated Press (sans Doug Ferguson) hatred for golf in the Rio Olympics.

Dahlberg cites the availability of a jet provided by the PGA Tour (to Rio...an overnight flight) as proof positive that golf in the Olympics is dead on arrival.

The refusal of any players to go to Brazil for the test event does more than reflect a widespread ambivalence toward the Olympics. It's a statement that chasing dollars on the PGA Tour is far more important than chasing Olympic gold.

That may change as the Olympics draw closer. But for now playing for Olympic gold seems more like an abstract concept than anything else.

Or more simply, that it's a long way to go for one round of golf?

Will Trump Doral Be More Democratic This Time Around?

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The rank-and-file felt discriminated against in Gil Hanse's Blue Monster makeover. Even Brandt Snedeker's caddy threw a hissyfit for the ages over the apparent bias in the design toward those who could hit it a long way, so this year the course will sport a few narrowed landing areas for the longer hitters which match the driving zones of those less fortunate.

Rex Hoggard at GolfChannel.com talked to a few players and Hanse about the changes.

“I felt bad for Gil because he was getting criticized for the redesign, and just said, ‘Here’s the objective view of what I’m seeing and why guys are upset,’” Snedeker said. “Just so it’s more playable and fair for guys who hit it my length. There were times when I was hitting into a fairway that was 12 yards wide, while some of the longer guys are hitting into fairways that were 35 yards wide.

“I understand that length is an advantage but it shouldn’t be a determining factor to the golf tournament, and it seemed like last year length was the overriding factor on who was going to win.”

None of it may matter as Doug Ferguson elaborates in explaining the scenarios facing Doral should a new title sponsor not be found. Though interestingly the PGA Tour has scouted other Miami venues.

If a new sponsor doesn't want to be at Trump Doral, there are not many other options in Miami with the property that can handle size of a World Golf Championship. The tour has looked at Crandon Park on Key Biscayne, a strong public course that once hosted a senior event. But with only one road to the course, that might not be practical.

Forward Press: Doral Week On Edge!

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A normal week of Doral intrigue might include Donald Trump spat with his Blue Monster neighbors. But the presumptive Republican nominee is busy with Super Tuesday, with only plans to roll in Sunday for a low profile appearance at the WGC Cadillac.

But this is The Donald, and between his spats with the PGA Tour brass, the expiration of Cadillac's role, player perception of a Blue Monster bias and pre-Masters pressure building, the week seems ripe for something happening like we've never seen. I explain the many dynamics in play in this week's GolfDigest.com Forward Press, along with a preview of the best LPGA field yet as that tour preps for its first major.

We discussed the Doral week issues on Morning Drive:

PGA Tour: Cell Phone Pics Allowed, Except Of Play

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The policy now (officially) allows for what has been taking place at tournaments: fans taking group photos or general scene shots. Though the only people who would enforce this were marshals.

The tour still forbids photography of play, not that this has been stopping anyone.

But at least they are starting to accept reality...

PGA TOUR expands use of mobile devices by spectators at PGA TOUR tournaments

Fans now permitted to take photographs with mobile devices all week away from areas of play

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., February 29, 2016 – Effective immediately, fans at PGA TOUR events are permitted to take photographs with their mobile devices throughout tournament week, except in areas of play during official tournament rounds or when requested by players, security, and TOUR officials to refrain from taking a photo. Previously, the policy restricted all photography to Designated Cell Phone Areas during tournament play.

Anything outside of a mobile device, such as cameras and video recorders, are not allowed during official rounds.

Following are the TOUR policy guidelines:

Devices must be on silent at all times.
Calls may be placed or answered only in designated “Cell Phone Zones.”
Devices may not be used to capture audio/video at any time during tournament week.

Well, except when a Snapchat partnership is in play.

During practice and pro-am rounds, photography is permitted in all areas.

During official competition rounds, photography is prohibited within any areas of competition (i.e. teeing grounds, tee shot landing areas and on/around putting greens) or when requested by tournament staff, security, players, or player representatives. Photography in non-competition areas is permitted.

Data use (e.g., texting, email, etc.) will be permitted outside of the designated “Cell Phone Zones” all week, but away from play.

Data use is not permitted when players are in position to compete (i.e., when QUIET PLEASE paddles are raised).

“Our mobile device policy has been met with great enthusiasm by fans,” said Andy Pazder, PGA TOUR chief of operations. “We believe the expanded policy will significantly enhance the on-site spectator experience while maintaining a suitable atmosphere for all players on the course.”

In early 2011, the PGA TOUR implemented its Mobile Device Policy which allowed fans for the first time to bring their mobile phones into tournaments. The Honda Classic was the first event for which the mobile device policy was implemented as an enhancement to the overall fan experience. This followed testing at five TOUR events in late 2010 and early 2011 to gauge the potential impact of mobile devices at PGA TOUR events.