The PGA of America appears to have abandoned its plan of moving the final major of the season away from the United States.
Last year, the governing body announced it was considering hosting the USPGA Championship overseas. Ted Bishop, who has since been deposed as the PGA of America’s president, went so far as to consult leading players, including Rory McIlroy, over the innovative idea. Royal Portrush had been suggested as a possible host venue.
In reports from the United States on Thursday, Pete Bevacqua, the PGA of America’s chief executive, said the concept had been shelved after a lack of support from association members. Any disappointment in Portrush over this scenario will be easily offset by the return of the Open to the Northern Ireland course, most probably in 2019.
There is a concern in certain circles that having three majors in one country is unhealthy, par wider audience. Given the nature and definition of the other three majors, the USPGA Championship is realistically the only one that could be meaningfully altered.
On hearing of the PGA of America’s new stance, Gary Player took to Twitter to voice his disapproval. Player said: “What a shame. What a lack of vision. Golf has never been more global. Could have been a game changer for the PGA. Pity.”
Also on Thursday, at the PGA of America’s annual meeting, it was claimed that completing this year’s US PGA Championship on a Monday would have cost $1m. The event at Valhalla, which McIlroy won, culminated in near darkness after a series of weather delays, prompting criticism of tournament organisers.
