Three Senators Call For USGA To Leave Trump Bedminster

An unbylined USA Today story first reported the letter to the USGA. It's from Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Dick Blumenthal (D-Conn.) to USGA executive director and CEO Mike Davis.

The topic: the 2017 U.S. Women's Open.

“The decision that the USGA makes is more consequential than simply the geographic location of a golf tournament,” the Senators wrote in a letter dated Tuesday. “In declining future association with a brand that degrades women, the USGA and LPGA have an opportunity to make clear to the world, and most especially young Americans, that our nation will not tolerate nor do business with any company that condones or excuses action that constitutes sexual assault.”

The USGA does not want any part of the subject, in part for very obvious reasons: becoming part of the 2016 presidential election or upsetting a soon-to-be-president.

"During his presidential campaign, Mr. Trump has made some remarks that are at odds with our belief that golf should be welcoming and inclusive for all. We have reiterated for more than a year that we do not share his views, and that is still true,” the statement read. “With the 2017 U.S. Women’s Open less than a year away, our focus is still on conducting an excellent championship for the players, the spectators, the fans, and the volunteers."

“Beyond that,” Driscoll wrote in an email, “we simply will not comment on politics.”

Given that the players are not crying out to leave the venue and that Trump stands a chance of being elected, there is no incentive for the USGA to intervene at this time. However, where things get interesting: if Trump maintains a high-profile role post-election should he not be elected. If he somehow overshadows the biggest women's golf tournament on the planet, that would be unfortunate at best.