New USGA Prez: Trump Bedminster Here We Come!

Ron Sirak notes from the USGA annual meeting the organization is Trumpeting its inclusive, "we" effort.

From his GolfDigest.com item:

“Now we are not about the game of golf, we are about golfers themselves,” said executive director Mike Davis.

“We are going to do things to make sure those who play the game enjoy it,” he said, specifically citing pace-of-play as an issue.

“We now have a clear strategic plan,” said Tom  O’Toole Jr., as he wrapped up his two-year term as president. “It was a real ‘we’ effort.’ Right now we have our shoulders behind the health or growth issue.”

Yet that "we" message falls flatter than a midday rules seminar when reading new USGA President Diana Murphy's short and stilted interview with Golfweek.com's Adam Schupak. On the topic of next year's U.S. Women's Open at Trump Bedminster, where the host has lost one PGA of America event over his comments about Mexican immigrants.

DM: I don't have anything to say about the political campaign in general. As for the course, we've had two championships there before. The staff, the members, the volunteers did an exceptional job at both championships. We are contractually obligated to have a Women's Open there, and we believe it will be a very successful Open there.

This is a far cry from the joint statement signed by the USGA earlier this year when they had this to say about Trump:

"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.  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 Bedminster is just minutes from USGA headquarters and several senior USGA staffers are members of the club, further complicating the situation.