Bishop Book! PGA Of America Threatens "Judicial Intervention"

Golf.com's Marika Washchyshyn interviews former PGA of America president Ted Bishop about his upcoming book and as you can imagine, his former organization isn't too thrilled.

From the Q&A on the same day former Bishop friend Pete Bevacqua had his CEO contract renewed through 2021, the ex-PGA president revealed more about the book and this:

I’ve had virtually no contact with the PGA of America since October 2014. I did have a brief conversation with Derek Sprague [Bishop’s successor] in November 2014 and [PGA CEO] Pete Bevacqua in February 2015. Those are the only conversations I had with people "inside" the PGA and they were not related to my book. I have had some conversations with the PGA's outside legal counsel requesting a review of my book before it was published. At one point they threatened "judicial intervention" if I didn't cooperate. I have no plans to let the PGA's outside legal counsel see the book.

Where Do Golf's Leading Bodies Stand On Trump?

Forget the question of where you stand on Donald Trump politically--even though most seem to despise the man as he racks up votes and states in the Republican presidential primary.

I'm more interested in knowing if anyone understands where the PGA Tour, USGA, PGA of America and R&A stand with the man.

After all, they joined forces to condemn him last July in a strongly-worded, unprecedented Four-Of-Five Family statement. The PGA Tour continues to signal in roundabout ways that they won't mind the Doral partnership ending this week, though much of that tension may stem from philosophic course setup differences.

Upon consuming some pre-Doral writings and a well-produced TV piece (like the one from Golf Channel hosted by Gary Williams), I'm more confused than ever as to where they all stand on the man. We've heard how he's bad, he's wrong, he's divisive, he's Mussolini, he's...we still kind of like him!

I sense Golf.com's Cameron Morfit has picked up this weird inconsistency, prompting a commentary calling on the tour to cut ties with Trump:

It was only two years ago that the PGA of America swiftly fired President Ted Bishop for calling Ian Poulter a "lil girl" on social media. Compared to Trump's bombast, Bishop's slip-up seems small, but context is everything. Golf was and is in the midst of a reckoning as it deals with declining participation; the sport needs little girls to feel welcome at their local course, not wondering why one of the sport's leaders would use "lil girl" as an insult.

And in Karen Crouse's NY Times analysis of the Trump-golf relationship, there was this from the former Carter Administration member who makes political donations (not that there's anything wrong with that!).

In January, at a tour stop outside Palm Springs., the PGA commissioner, Tim Finchem, was asked about the extent of former President Bill Clinton’s involvement with the event. The Clinton Foundation was one of the sponsors, but Clinton, a tireless promoter of the tournament in recent years, was spending time on the campaign trail with his wife, Hillary Clinton, a front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination.
“We like to think that presidential politics doesn’t affect the situation here,” Finchem said.

Perhaps with an eye toward defusing any controversy here, Finchem added that the tour and its tournaments were “apolitical” and said, “We’re going to stay that way.”

In golf's leadership world, they're still taking tournaments to his courses and passing opportunities to break free. It's as if they are afraid to say goodbye. And since Mr. Trump could be the Republican nominee and America's next president, you can't blame them for wanting a line to the White House. It's a lot sexier than a line to Mara-a-Lago.

So just admit it Mssrs. Finchem, Bevacqua, Davis and Slumbers: you don't like his comments but also fear getting on Mr. Trump's bad side. Or admit you like his courses and the markets they're in because you're all about the bottom line.

But don't condemn the man and his positions, and then continue to do business with him as he doesn't soften his more controversial stances. That inconsistency brings more shame to the game than taking a traditional stance on such a divisive figure.

Clippings: 2016 PGA Show This And That

In no particular order and by no means definitive, but a few things that caught my eye...

Orlando will have a new TopGolf across from Orange County Convention Center.

TopGolf is trying to appeal to more women through fun lesson taking environments.

GolfDigest.com's best of slideshow is up to 30 of the best and coolest from The Editors and here is their full coverage page.

Golfweek's Live Blog from the show is full of Tweets and here is their page of all coverage.

East Carolina's team golf van is a bit excessive for the Carolina league.

On the ladies clothing front, Catherine Wingate is Caitlyn Jenner’s favorite golf line. FYI.

Jay Karen of the National Golf Course Owners Association tells Gary Williams that the young golf pros are nice, but millennials need a golf course experience that is more craft beer and less Coors.

The parade of golf carts should be viewed by anyone who lives at The Villages.

Inventors were in the spotlight, says Joel Beall.

Footboys new free-style show is pretty cool and innovative looking, the G-Fore’s still look great (do they handle getting wet?) and Puma explains their new Rickie high-tops, which can also double as your footwear for an 80s costume party.

Johnny Miller was on hand to push the ZeroFriction glove and say he sees a little Johnny in Rory.

Hank Haney moves from Taylor Made to Callaway.

Callaway’s microsite for Show coverage and an interactive tour of their booth.

Under Armour has a water resistant pullover that looks pretty handy.

Forward Press: LPGA Kick-Off, PGA Show Coverage

In this week's edition I speak to LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan about the refreshingly status quo state of the LPGA Tour after years of new events, new lineups and too much sponsor turnover.

Things are so improved for the tour that its number one star is not playing the opener and no one seems to mind because Whan has arranged plenty of playing opportunities.

Also covered: the PGA Show, Farmers Insurance Open and the mysterious Singapore Open where Jordan Spieth is turning up to cash a big check and build on the fatigue that threatens to mess up his year if he isn't careful (we discussed this surprising and not-surprising revelation on Morning Drive).

I'll be curious where PGA Show coverage goes this year after years of secrecy before finally joining the modern world the last few years. In 2015, Callaway was very active online and will be again. Sirius radio will have Matt Adams on hand (with Hank Haney also doing his show from the Show floor). What remains to be seen: how much show coverage is provided by Titleist, Taylor Made and PING. I'll add links if they appear.

The full column here.

Awards! Ross To Bamberger, Jones To Bell, PGA To Peper

On the day the only more racially imbalanced awards on the planet were announced, golf's annual effort to obtain good dinner speakers and maybe recognize some contributions means we know who will win the Donald Ross, Bobby Jones and PGA Lifetime Achievement Media awards.

From the ASGCA on Michael Bamberger receiving the Donald Ross Award:

Michael Bamberger – a senior writer for Sports Illustrated and author of several books on golf – has been chosen by the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) as the 2016 recipient of the Donald Ross Award. The award, given annually since 1976, is presented to a person who has made a significant contribution to the game of golf and the profession of golf course architecture. It will be presented to Bamberger at the 2016 ASGCA Annual Meeting on April 24 in Bethesda, Maryland.
 
“Almost every golf fan over the past 30 years has read and been impacted by Michael’s writing, in newspapers, on the pages of Sports Illustrated, on the web or in his books,” said President Steve Smyers, ASGCA. “He brings his readers to the places they want to go – from major championships to traveling along on the European Tour – and shows them unique views of the golf world they might not otherwise experience. Michael’s keen observations about the game provide the casual golfer a greater understanding of the art of the game.
 
“We’re thrilled a writer of Michael’s caliber is devoting his talent to keeping the game front and center among sports fans,” he continued. “ASGCA respects his knowledge and perspective, and appreciates how his efforts benefit the game of golf.”
 
Bamberger grew up in Patchogue, New York, and was introduced to golf in an eighth-grade gym class. He first played on the public courses of Suffolk County and on the Patchogue-Medford High School golf team. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania he became a newspaper reporter, working for the Vineyard Gazette, on Martha’s Vineyard, and later for the Philadelphia Inquirer. Since 1995, Bamberger has been a senior writer at Sports Illustrated. He also contributes regularly to golf.com and writes a back-page column for Golf magazine.
 
His books on golf include “The Green Road Home” (1986), about his experiences as a caddie on the PGA Tour in 1985; “To the Linksland” (1992), about an extended honeymoon trip Bamberger and his wife, Christine, made on the European golf tour and through coastal Scotland; and “Men in Green” (2015), a then-and-now look at various golf legends from the 1970s. He is the inventor of The E-Club, a utility golf club for which he was issued a U.S. patent.
 
Bamberger joins an impressive list of journalists who have received the Donald Ross Award, including Herbert Warren Wind, Peter Dobereiner, Charles Price, Dick Taylor, Ron Whitten, George Peper, James Dodson and Bradley S. Klein.

The USGA on Judy Bell, their 2016 Bob Jones award winner:

USGA to Honor Judy Bell with 2016 Bob Jones Award

FAR HILLS, N.J. (Jan. 14, 2016) – The United States Golf Association (USGA) will bestow its highest honor, the Bob Jones Award, to Judy Bell, of Colorado Springs, Colo., at an award ceremony on June 14, 2016, during the week of the 116th U.S. Open Championship at Oakmont (Pa.) Country Club.

Presented annually since 1955, the Bob Jones Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates the spirit, personal character and respect for the game exhibited by Jones, winner of nine USGA championships.

Known for her generous spirit and larger-than-life personality, Bell, a native of Wichita, Kan., has championed a welcoming and accessible game as one of its most prominent ambassadors for more than six decades.

“Judy is a towering presence in golf and her contributions to shaping the USGA can be seen to this day,” said Tom O’Toole Jr., president of the USGA. “Her devotion to the game makes her a worthy recipient of our organization’s most prestigious honor. From her earliest days as an accomplished player through her tenure as USGA president, Judy has been a staunch advocate and diplomat for the game. Those mantles were always delivered with her unique kindness and infectious personality. Judy is a real treasure!”

The youngest of four children and the only girl, Bell largely credits her mother’s tenacious, straightforward and generous personality, as well as her can-do attitude as her strongest influences. The USGA’s first female president (1996-1997), Bell possesses a passion for women’s and girl’s golf that continues today, particularly through the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf program, which she helped found.

Her two-year USGA presidential tenure was hallmarked by the establishment of the “For the Good of the Game” grants program, which dedicated more than $65 million toward national and local projects devoted to improving the lives of communities through accessible golf. Bell was the program’s director from 1999-2010, and asserted hands-on service focused on providing opportunity to and building character among countless youth, particularly minorities, girls and those with disabilities.

“I grew up around people who volunteered and it was something I felt strongly about, even as a child,” said Bell in her 2002 book, Breaking the Mold. “We all believed that if you’re asked and you have an opportunity to give back, you just step up to the plate and do what you can.”

Bell was also instrumental in the development and management of the USGA Foundation’s leadership and service fellowship program, which provided two-year, graduate-level training to nearly 70 young professionals interested in careers in the non-profit sector. Many fellows continue to serve in leadership roles for a variety of service-based organizations and associations. The program fostered strong relationships within the golf community to promote accessibility, particularly through state and regional golf associations.  

“Judy has an amazing capacity to connect with people of all walks of life,” said Steve Czarnecki, a fellow of the USGA Foundation and its assistant director of grants and fellowship for 13 years. “To her, the USGA committee member, golf course superintendent at a host club, USGA staff member or state and regional golf association representative is every bit as important as anyone else in the sport – herself included. Judy wanted everyone to have an opportunity to experience the game and benefit from the many wonderful lessons it conveys.”

On the course, Bell was a passionate and well-respected amateur player who competed in 38 USGA championships, including three trips to the U.S. Women’s Amateur quarterfinals and one U.S. Girls’ Junior semifinals appearance. She also won three consecutive Kansas State Women’s Amateur titles from 1952-1954, the first at age 15. Bell also competed for the victorious 1960 and 1962 USA Curtis Cup Teams and captained the 1986 and 1988 USA Teams. The Women’s State Team Championship Trophy was named after her in 1998.

“Judy was the most fun captain I had in my playing career,” said Carol Semple Thompson, a seven-time USGA champion and 12-time USA Curtis Cup Team member. “She makes everyone feel welcome and happy. She is also a pioneer, becoming one of the most important women in golf administration. Her advancement to the Executive Committee and presidency was a natural progression of her hard work, her passion for the amateur game, and her relationships with so many players and people in golf.”

Bell’s volunteer career with the USGA began as a member of the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship Committee (1961-1964). She served 17 years on the USGA Women’s Committee beginning in 1968, including four years as chairman (1981-1984). In 1987, Bell became the first woman named to the USGA’s Executive Committee and served on nearly every committee before becoming the Association’s 54th president in 1996.

“Tom O'Toole called me the other night and we chatted a while,” said Bell. “Then he told me that I was going to get the Bob Jones Award. I was floored and in denial. Tom is a great friend and finally convinced me it was real. I'm honored beyond words.” 

A phone call from Tom O'Toole? And you say these award winners don't earn their keep!

And the PGA of America's Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism...

George Peper of Vero Beach, Florida, the former Editor-in-Chief of GOLF Magazine for a quarter century and the author, co-author or editor of 20-plus golf books, has been named the recipient of the 2016 PGA Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism.

Peper, 65, will be honored on April 6, during the ISPS HANDA 44th Golf Writers Association of America (GWAA) Annual Awards Dinner at Savannah Rapids Pavilion in Augusta, Georgia.
Peper is the 27th recipient of the PGA Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism, which honors members of the media for their steadfast promotion of golf, both locally and nationally.

“George is simply a living legend in golf journalism—there is no other way to put it,” said PGA President Derek Sprague. “His leadership and quality of work at GOLF Magazine for more than 25 years, and now at LINKS Magazine, is unsurpassed. This dedication to his craft, along with his love of golf, resulted in his traveling the world as a golf ambassador and authoring numerous books on the subject. George is a true friend of the game who has enlightened us with his passion, candor and wit. We are fortunate he chose our sport to immortalize.”

A graduate of Princeton University, Peper was working toward a doctorate in comparative literature at Yale University when in 1976 he joined GOLF Magazine, becoming its chief editor a year later at the age of 27.  For the last 13 years, he has written for LINKS Magazine, and in 2011, he became the magazine’s editor.

“What a thrill to be recognized in this way by the PGA of America,” said Peper. “I’m not sure I deserve an award after 40 years of having fun, but to join the distinguished company of the previous recipients—every one of whom I’ve been privileged to know—is both a humbling experience and a tremendous honor."

While at GOLF, Peper originated the magazine’s “Top 100 Courses in the World,” “America’s Top 100 Teachers” and the “World Golf Teachers Hall of Fame.” In 1988, he had a heavy hand in bringing together the game’s allied associations for the once-in-a-lifetime Centennial of Golf in America celebration.

Peper’s published works include, among others, “Golf Courses of the PGA Tour” (1984) and “Two Years in St. Andrews” (2006). He has co-authored books with Greg Norman and Bill Murray and edited several memorable works, including “Golf in America: The First 100 Years” (1988) and “The World’s 500 Best Golf Holes” (2000). In 1999 his script for the PBS documentary “The Story of Golf” was nominated for a sports Emmy.

A former board member for the National Golf Foundation and the Golf Writers Association of America, Peper also served on the USGA’s Bob Jones Award Committee.

In 2008, Peper was presented the Donald Ross Award from the American Society of Golf Course Architects for his contributions to golf and golf course architecture. A year later, he received the Lincoln Werden Award from the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association for his contributions to golf journalism.

Peper and his wife of 37 years, Libby, have two grown sons, Tim and Scott.

PGA Of America President Goes To Work For PGA Tour!

Perhaps most interesting in the fine print here is the PGA Tour advancing an "expanded operational relationship" with Liberty National, the oft-reviled design which hosted a few redesigns, two Barclays and will be site of the 2017 Presidents Cup.

Derek Sprague, far rightThe management deal, following the 25-year partnership anounced last August, would seem to move the budding Tim Finchem-Paul Fireman bromance to engaged status.

Derek Sprague Named Managing Director of Liberty National Golf Club

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (January 12, 2016) –Paul and Dan Fireman, co-founders, today announced that Derek Sprague, current President of the PGA of America, has been named as Managing Director of Liberty National Golf Club.  Sprague will be employed by the PGA TOUR as part of an expanded operational relationship between Liberty National and the TOUR.

Sprague, 48, comes to Liberty National from Malone (N.Y.) Golf Club, where he has served as General Manager/Director of Golf for 27 years. In addition to his duties at Malone, Sprague was elected in November 2014 for a two-year term as the 39th President of the PGA, which represents more than 28,000 PGA professionals across the United States. Sprague has received numerous awards and has served in a number of leadership roles at the PGA Section and national levels.

“We believe that this new management agreement will provide the expertise and resources that will continue to enhance the Liberty experience into the future. We welcome Derek and look forward to this unprecedented partnership,” said Dan Fireman.

“Liberty National is an iconic facility and under the Firemans’ leadership has established an impressive legacy in a short period of time and has an exciting future,” said Sprague.  “I am thrilled to be joining the PGA TOUR team and look forward to serving the Liberty National members and guests as we look ahead to The Presidents Cup 2017. I will always cherish my time at Malone Golf Club and would like to express my gratitude to the Malone Golf Club’s Board of Directors, members and staff.”

PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem joined Paul and Dan Fireman in August 2014 to announce a 25-year partnership while confirming Liberty National would serve as host site for The Presidents Cup in 2017. This long-term agreement calls for Liberty National to host up to 10 PGA TOUR tournaments, including the first of the four FedExCup Playoff events in 2019.

“We are excited to have someone as highly regarded as Derek to serve the Club’s membership and their guests, as well as handle preparations for future high-profile events,” Finchem said.

“We offer our sincere congratulations to Derek on landing this wonderful opportunity at Liberty National – further proof that the most qualified person to manage a golf property is a PGA professional,” said Pete Bevacqua, CEO of PGA of America. “Derek playing a major role at a highly visible championship venue is an extremely positive development for the PGA of America as we are dedicated to growing the game at all levels.”

This also means Sprague recently visited Atlanta for several days with Dr. Conformity, Finchem's handpicked specialist who puts PGA Tour job candidates through a rigorous, multi-point, indoctrination boot camp. Congrats on passing Derek!