Golf: PGA strips 2022 championship from Donald Trump's Bedminster club

Golf: PGA strips 2022 championship from Donald Trump's Bedminster club
Photo credit: Getty Images

Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, which is owned by US President Donald Trump, has been stripped of the 2022 PGA Championship.

"The PGA of America Board of Directors voted tonight to exercise the right to terminate the agreement to play the 2022 PGA Championship at Trump Bedminster," PGA of America president Jim Richerson tweets.

In a video posted on the organisation's website, Richerson adds that hosting the tournament at the course in New Jersey would tarnish the PGA of America's image. No replacement venue has been announced.

"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 our many programmes and sustain the longevity of our mission."

A Trump Organisation representative says it is "incredibly disappointed" with the decision.

Golf: PGA strips 2022 championship from Donald Trump's Bedminster club
Photo credit: Getty Images

"We have had a beautiful partnership with the PGA of America," the representative says. "This is a breach of a binding contract and they have no right to terminate the agreement. 

"As an organisation, we have invested many millions of dollars in the 2022 PGA Championship at Trump National Golf Club, Bedminster.

"We will continue to promote the game of golf on every level and remain focused on operating the finest golf courses anywhere in the world."

The decision to move the men's Major comes after the US president exhorted thousands of supporters to march on the Capitol, as Congress met to certify his defeat to Joe Biden, prompting crowds to breach the building and force the evacuation of both chambers.

Five people died in the rampage by Trump's backers, after a fiery speech denouncing the November 3 election results by the Republican President.

Reuters