#growthegame Files: Natalie Gulbis On The Donald She Knows

Listening to well-paid players justify their move from what was a stalwart, 54-year PGA Tour event stop Miami to the charming confines of Mexico City over money, several did not wanting to get fined suggested it was a grow the game moment. Even Jack Nicklaus, whose Memorial Wednesday was overshadowed by the news, wheeled out the grow the game maxim, adding yet another chapter in this catchphrase.

The inclusion of golf in the Olympics ushered in the justifying of any and all behavior as part of growing the game. In the case of the Olympics, there is truth to the partnership if the exposure or funding promises come true, or if there is subliminal legitimization of the game in places it was previously mocked.

Most times, grow the game is a protective shield to justify the mere act of making money. Or, for choosing unconventional paths to brand glory. "Grow the game” was wheeled out to celebrate the antics of the #SB2k16 gang, and no doubt thousands who knew nothing of golf and saw a semi-naked Smylie Kaufman dancing atop a golf cart and Jordan Spieth impersonating David Feherty have since invested money earmarked for paying off college loans to the purchase of a club membership. However, it was an even greater joy to read Natalie Gulbis employing the phrase when telling us about the Donald Trump she knows for Golf.com’s podcast and in a written piece.

The two grow the game references, for your reading pleasure...

He encouraged me to look at myself as a brand and as a professional golfer with a huge platform to grow the game of golf, regardless of my gender.

And...

I had seen "The Apprentice." Who hadn't? It was cutthroat and competitive, and it featured a lot of arguing, so I wasn't sure I was a fit. But Donald said that as a participant I would achieve three things: grow the game of golf, draw positive attention to the LPGA, and raise money to start my own Boys and Girls Club, which he knew was one of my life goals.

Yes, consider the legions who might have taken up the game had Natalie appeared on Celebrity Apprentice! We can only dream. #growthegame