Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, United States: The PGA of America and The Trump Organisation have reached a settlement resolving their on-going dispute regarding the PGA’s decision to cancel its contract with Trump National Golf Club in New Jersey to host the 2022 PGA Championship.  

While the terms of the settlement remain confidential, representatives from both the PGA and the Trump Organisation expressed satisfaction with the agreement.

The PGA of America awarded its flagship event to Trump Bedminster in May 2014, prior to Donald Trump announcing his bid for the US Presidency. Three years later the course hosted the USGA’s US Women’s Open in 2017.

However, in January 2021, days after supporters of President Trump stormed the US Capitol during a joint session of Congress to formalise 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, Oklahoma.

A written statement issued by the PGA of America, an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation, said: “The Trump Organisation’s contribution to the golf community is appreciated. 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 programmes.

“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.”

Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organisation, said: “We have great respect for the work of the PGA. Over the past 20-plus 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.”

Southern Hills was due to hold the PGA Championship in 2030, but that date will now be filled by another venue, which has yet to be announced.