PGA of America and The Trump Organization reach settlement regarding 2022 PGA Championship
The 2022 PGA Championship was originally scheduled to be held at Trump National Golf Club in New Jersey, however, the PGA of America canceled the contract. Tuesday, it was announced that the two sides have reached an agreed settlement.
The PGA of America awarded its flagship event to Trump Bedminster in May 2014, prior to Donald Trump announcing his bid for the U.S. presidency. Three years later the course hosted the USGA’s U.S. Women’s Open in 2017, which Trump watched on-site. However, this January, days after supporters of President Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol during a joint session of Congress to formalize President Joe Biden’s election victory, the PGA of America’s board of directors exercised a vote to move its tournament from the Bedminster property, later awarding it to Southern Hills in Tulsa.
“It has become clear that conducting the PGA Championship at Trump Bedminster would be detrimental to the PGA of America brand and would put at risk the PGA’s ability to deliver on many programs and sustain the longevity of our mission,” Jim Richerson, president of the PGA of America, said in January.
In response, a spokesperson for the Trump Organization called the move “a break of a binding contract” and stated the governing body had no right to terminate the agreement.
But whatever challenges the Trump Organization made have now been resolved with Tuesday’s announcement. (Both the PGA of America and the Trump Organization stated specifics of the settlement will remain confidential.)
“The Trump Organization’s contribution to the golf community is appreciated,” the PGA of America said in a statement. “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.”
As for The Trump Organization, Executive Vice President Eric Trump released the following: “We have great respect for the work of the PGA. Over the past 20+ years, we have enjoyed working with the PGA 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 tournament will now be played at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Southern Hills has hosted seven major championships on the men’s side, most recently the 2007 PGA Championship won by Tiger Woods.
Article originally appeared on: Golfweek.usatoday.com

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