The premier golf organization in the US has parted ways with billionaire and White House candidate Donald Trump, making it the latest company to distance itself from the media mogul after his controversial comments about Mexican “rapists” crossing the border.
On Tuesday the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA) and the Trump Organization said they had “mutually agreed that it is in everyone’s best interest” not to host the 2015 grand slam tournament at Trump’s Los Angeles club.
“Due to the controversy surrounding statements made by Mr Trump having to do with illegal immigrants pouring into the United States from Mexico and other parts of the world, Mr Trump does not want his friends at the PGA of America to suffer any consequences or backlash,” the billionaire’s company said in a statement.
On 16 June Trump announced his presidential ambitions in a meandering speech that decried Hispanic immigrants. In that speech, he said Mexicans are “bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.”
Despite outrage, Trump has persisted with similar remarks, and on Monday added “tremendous infectious disease” to the litany of things Mexicans supposedly bring to the United States.
Trump, however, has indicated great concern for the golfing association’s reputation, saying in the statement: “I have great respect for the PGA of America and everything they stand for.”
The PGA refrained from any comment about its motivations in the decision. In its statement, the association said that it had met with Trump on Monday and “is in the process of exploring options, including a venue for its annual PGA Junior League Golf Championship, and will comment further at the appropriate time”.
Trump’s comments have cost him a series of business deals. On Monday ESPN pulled its annual charity golf match from one of Trump’s courses. Racing organization Nascar decided shortly beforehand to back out of a banquet at one of his resorts.
Retailer Macy’s also cut ties with Trump, as have several major television networks, including NBC Universal and Univision.
