US golf’s PGA of America has reached a settlement to resolve a dispute with the Trump Organization, the real estate conglomerate owned primarily by former US president Donald Trump, after having stripped the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, of the rights to host the 2022 PGA Championship.
The terms of the settlement are to remain confidential, but representatives from both organizations are said to have “expressed satisfaction with the agreement.”
In a statement, the PGA of America said: “The Trump Organization’s contribution to the golf community is appreciated. We are thankful the company employs hundreds of dedicated PGA professionals and consistently gives back to the golf community through hosting charitable events and sponsoring junior golf programs.
“As stated in 2014 when announced, Trump Bedminster is a major championship-worthy golf course and in a portfolio along with some of the finest private and public golf courses anywhere in the world.”
Eric Trump, executive vice-president of the Trump Organization, added: “We have great respect for the work of the PGA. Over the past 20 plus years, we have enjoyed working with them to deliver to our club members and the public some of the greatest golf experiences anywhere in the world. We look forward to continuing to support the mission of the PGA and its professionals, who are the best in the golf industry.”
The 2022 PGA Championship was scheduled to be held at Trump National but the PGA of America voted to terminate its contract with the venue, signed in 2014, after Trump supporters stormed the United States Capitol in Washington DC on January 6, 2021 and the then-president failed to fully condemn their actions.
The tournament, which is scheduled for May 16 to 22, will instead be held at the Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
