Martha Burk, Black Golfers Taking On USGA Over Trump

Turning to Huffington Post to share her thoughts on Donald Trump's Bedminster course hosting the 2017 U.S. Women's Open, former Augusta National crusader Martha Burk is targeting the USGA with a petition to move next year's championship.

Beth Ann Baldry in summing up the petition said LPGA players at this year's U.S. Open weren't biting.

No LPGA players whom Golfweek asked for comment after their rounds at CordeValle, however, agreed with Burk’s call to move the event.

“Just because it has Trump’s name on it, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t play there,” said Jessica Korda, who competed at Trump National Bedminster in the 2009 U.S. Girls’ Junior.

England’s Mel Reid said she doesn’t necessarily agree with Trump’s values or policies and can understand why people would want to sign the petition. But, just as with the 2015 Ricoh Women’s British Open at Trump-owned Turnberry in Scotland, Reid doesn’t see the need to move the event.

Adam Schupak reports on prominent members of the black community joining in support of Burk. No matter where you come down, I think we can all agree Dr. Calvin Sinnette writes a good letter. This is what he sent to USGA Executive Director Mike Davis:

“The organization’s decision seems to be governed by a warped notion of fiduciary rectitude rather than a sense of moral probity. Pious pronouncements about ‘inclusion,’ ‘broader access,’ and ‘disparities,’ ring hollow when the USGA is forced to confront vexing challenges,” Sinnette wrote to Davis. “Unless the USGA changes the venue for the 2017 event and severs its relationship with a blatant racist and misogynist, I have no alternative but to relinquish my association with the organization.”

Trump Bedminster also hosts the 2022 PGA Championship.