Golf and Ethics

Even the world of golf has not been spared by this year’s Presidential race politics as a big question has arisen as to whether or not the USGA should reconsider its hosting of the LPGA’s 2017 U.S. Women’s Open at Trump National in Bedminster, N.J.?

We at Go Pac Golf feel strongly that playing such a huge tournament at Trump National should absolutely be reconsidered and, in that belief, we are not alone.

Earlier this week, 3 US senators wrote a letter to the USGA to do so and urged the committee to make a principled change on the matter.

“The decision that the USGA makes is more consequential than simply the geographic location of a golf tournament,” the letter read. “In declining future association with a brand that degrades women, the USGA and LPGA have an opportunity to make clear to the world, and most especially young Americans, that our nation will not tolerate nor do business with any company that condones or excuses action that constitutes sexual assault.”

‘Golfweek’ interviewed 12 LPGA players and only one player was steadfast that the tournament should be moved. The general consensus amongst the few that were questioned was that the tournament should stay where it is (this late in the game) and that politics should not interfere.

As an avid female golfer myself, I personally would experience a kind of ethical dilemma if I were to indirectly endorse a Trump golf course by playing in a huge tournament there. No, I would not forego a berth in the US Open but might rather take the opportunity to say something about my concerns and hopefully initiate a move towards making something good out of it.

We’d love to hear from all of you about what you think about the choice that the USGA now faces.