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• Four major governing bodies slam Donald Trump’s remarks
• Referred to Mexican immigrants as ‘criminals and rapists’
• Then claimed that the golf world ‘knows I’m right’

DONALD TRUMP

Four of golf’s major governing bodies have distanced themselves from recent remarks made by Donald Trump about Mexican immigrants – after the businessman said the golf world ‘knows I’m right’.

American companies Macy’s, Univision and NBC Universal have cut their ties with the 69-year-old, who owns Trump Turnberry in Ayrshire and Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire, after his disparaging comments where he called Mexican immigrants ‘criminals and rapists’.

Trump, who on June 16 launched his US presidency bid, said earlier this week: “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.”

The property magnate, whose name is on 18 courses around the world, then linked the golf world to his comments when quizzed by Golf Channel’s Tim Rosaforte.

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“I’ve had tremendous support from the golf world, because they all know I’m right,” Donald Trump declared.

And in an attempt to somehow justify his comments, Trump added: “I have Mexicans and South Americans working for me all over the country and believe me, they love me and I love them. I think they’re great. I’ve had great support and I haven’t heard one negative thing and frankly I don’t expect to.”

His comments prompted the PGA Tour, USGA, PGA of America and LPGA Tour to condemn the remarks in this short, 76-word statement.

 “Those remarks do not reflect the views of our organisations” – Joint statement

It read: “In response to Mr Trump’s comments about the golf industry ‘knowing he is right’ in regards to his recent statements about Mexican immigrants, we feel compelled to clarify that those remarks do not reflect the views of our organisations.

“While the LPGA, PGA of America, PGA Tour and USGA do not usually comment on presidential politics, Mr Trump’s comments are inconsistent with our strong commitment to an inclusive and welcoming environment in the game of golf.”

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Turnberry Ailsa Course

The furore surrounding Donald Trump couldn’t have come at a worse time in Scotland, with Trump Turnberry set to host the RICOH Women’s British Open later this month. The R&A and Ladies Golf Union have yet to comment on Trump’s remarks.

Trump courses are hosting numerous sizeable events in the future, including the WGC-Cadillac Championship – which has been at Doral since 2007 – the 2017 Senior PGA Championship, the 2017 US Women’s Open and the 2022 US PGA Championship, while the Scottish Open will be taking place at Trump International in 2017, 2019 and 2020.

Despite this latest wave of criticism, Donald Trump still carries significant backing throughout the worldwide golf community as he is seen as one of very few who are continually investing in the struggling golf industry. He pledged to invest £100million in Turnberry when he bought it back in 2014, with the Ailsa course closing for re-design work later this year, while plans have been approved for the multi-million pound extension of MacLeod House hotel on the Menie Estate.

Donald Trump :: Consequences?

Should golf reassess its relationship with Donald Trump? Leave your thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section below.

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