Trump Loses Wind Farm Battle, Or Does He?

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While he's been cast a big "loser" by the former First Minister in his fight to keep wind farms from scarring the view from Trump International Scotland (they will), I wonder how heartbroken Donald Trump will be to have lost his appeal of the wind farm (Ryan Lavner reports.) After all, he hasn't gone forward with the real estate component of the project and this could allow him to quietly shelve those ambitious plans in what is a hostile.

He is definitely losing with you all, as 62% to 38% (of 747 votes cast) says leading golf organizations should not be playing events at Trump properties going forward.

The loss of appeal has led to a fantastic war of words between Trump and former First Minister Alex Salmond. Once pals (you can see them in happier times here), they've been bickering since the appeal news came out and it's fantastic!

Salmond noted the economic harm caused by the project delay and his view of Trump as a loser, prompting this as reported by The Guardian:

But the Trump Organisation hit back at Salmond in a pointed and characteristically colourful statement: “Does anyone care what this man thinks? He’s a hasbeen and totally irrelevant. The fact that he doesn’t even know what’s going on in his own constituency says it all ... He should go back to doing what he does best: unveiling pompous portraits of himself that pander to his already overinflated ego.”

Poll: Should Golf's Leading Organizations Continue To Contest Tournaments At Trump Properties?

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A couple of pieces of good news for The Donald heading into tonight's Republican debate: his name is back (in gold!) in Dubai, reports Reuters.

Tim Rosaforte also talked to his R&A sources who are saying Turnberry was never going to be ready to host in 2020 anyway, and that they're monitoring the situation. That's a fairly sharp contrast to The Independent's take.

Cara Robinson and I discussed (carefully!) the weekend news of various snippets coming from the governing bodies. And ultimately beyond the political and societal debate, this still feels like a situation boiling down to whether, going forward, a tournament will be considered safe and cost effective enough to take to Trump properties in light of his comments (and the tendency of a select radicals targeted by his views to react in unimaginably violent ways).

So with that security question in mind, the poll question is this:

Should golf's leading organizations continue to contest tournaments at Trump properties?
 
pollcode.com free polls

The Independent: R&A Will Be Staying Away From Turnberry

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Thanks to reader Jeff for The Independent On Sunday's James Cusack report claiming sources within the R&A have say the governing body has "privately decided that his reputation is now so toxic that the newly renamed Trump Turnberry can no longer host the game’s most prestigious tournament."

From Cusack's report:

Although the R&A is stuffed full of establishment figures, Turnberry with Trump is now seen as a risk they will not take. Another insider said: “2020 will not happen here. Turnberry will be back. But perhaps not Trump Turnberry.”

Has Trump Made It Impossible To Ever Play A Tournament At One Of His Properties: PGA Tour Considering Leaving Doral

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Pete Madden at Golf.com reports that the PGA Tour, issuing a statement in response to a question about the status of Trump Doral, says it will be looking at possible alternatives following the 2016 WGC event at Doral

"We continue to stand by our earlier statement, and the statement of other golf organizations, that Mr. Trump's comments are inconsistent with our strong commitment to an inclusive and welcoming environment in the game of golf. The PGA Tour has had a 53-year commitment to the Doral community, the greater Miami area and the charities that have benefited from the tournament. Given this commitment, we are moving forward with holding the 2016 event at the Blue Monster. Immediately after the completion of the 2016 tournament, we will explore all options regarding the event's future."

That's an unprecedented PGA Tour public statement, especially for a tournament venue that has enjoyed a 53-year association with the tour.

 

Where does this leave Trump and golf? Dangling, precariously. Though it's hard to fathom how any golf tournament feeling safe going forward at one of his courses. Bear with me.

Joel Beall does a very nice job of encapsulating the many dynamics facing golf in light of Trump's rise as an uber-controversial presidential candidate. Including golf's desire to appear more inclusive, only to have many stereotypes seemingly reinforced by The Donald's views.

Beall writes at GolfDigest.com:

In the five months since Trump announced his presidential ambitions, the real estate magnate has made contentious remarks towards Muslims, Mexicans, Asians, African-Africans, Jews, Seventh-day Adventists, POWs, women, and the disabled. If his campaign, which has a 20-percent lead in the Republican national polls, continues its cadence, it's probable more sects will be disparaged.

 

The only groups that apparently haven't been insulted are the PGA Tour, PGA of America and USGA.


The New York Times' editorial board wondered today about the impact on Trump's brand from a purely commercial point of view based on his recent campaign trail remarks.

Of course, each business will make its own decision of whether and how they want to be associated with Mr. Trump. Some might have invested so much money and time in the Trump brand that they will stick with it, presumably hoping that the public furor over his comments will subside. (Given the rate at which he is insulting people, they might be waiting for a while.)

Inevitably, chances are this will blow over and, like Ross Perot, Trump will be remembered for having impacted a presidential campaign while creating an international stir.

 

He has also ensured that he will need very good security for the remainder of his life. Which brings me to the point.

There is one issue related to his recent statements which supercedes previous controversial comments about Mexicans: Trump's stance on Muslim immigration potentially creates a permanent security risk at his golf facilities. Particularly when the general public is invited on those grounds for championships.

With his comments, Trump has targeted (and maybe even incited) radicals who have a track record of retaliating with extreme, unimaginable violence. While Trump has started to demonstrate he has a taste--even a knack--for the golf course turnaround (with Doral's revitalization and exciting plans for Turnberry), it's becoming increasingly difficult to imagine fans and players feeling safe at tournaments played at those venues going forward.

That concern, along with the reaction of officials who have to answer to sponsors if something should happen, may spell the doom of Trump facilties hosting major events.

No matter how good a PGA at Doral or an Open at Turnberry might have been, the ultimate increase in security concerns and costs may create the ultimate branding and logistical nightmare.

Scotland Ready To Turn On Donald Trump?

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The first golf-related ramifications from Donald Trump's recent comments on Muslims and immigration may be coming to fruition, though the pushback from Scotland is largely ceremonial at this point.

Karla Adam reports for the Washington Post on Trump's op-ed in the Press and Journal, one of Scotland's oldest newspapers, responding to politicians who are attempting to send a message to the Republican frontrunner.

On Wednesday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon dropped him as a business ambassador, revoking his membership in the GlobalScot business network. The Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen also stripped the billionaire developer of his honorary degree for statements it said were “wholly incompatible” with the values of the university.

“If they – Nicola Sturgeon and RGU – were going to do this, they should have informed me prior to my major investment in this £200million development, which will totally revitalise that vast region of Scotland,” Trump wrote in the Press and Journal.

Of course they had no idea what comments Trump would make, so the statement about informing him before his investment was a bit silly. There was, however, the obligatory reference to Trump International's greatness...

“I have done so much for Scotland, including building Trump International Golf Links, Scotland, which has received the highest accolades, and is what many believe to be one of the greatest golf courses anywhere in the world,” he wrote.

“Additionally, I have made a significant investment in the redevelopment of the iconic Turnberry Resort, which will have massive ballrooms, complete room refurbishments, a new golf course and a total rebuilding of the world famous Ailsa course to the highest standards and specifications of the Royal & Ancient,” he said.

Since the Scottish government helps sponsor the Scottish Open, the prospects of rumored dates at Trump International are looking increasingly unlikely.

The R&A essentially tabled all Trump talk this summer when the topic involved Mexican immigrants (ahh...how those days look so quaint). The PGA of America pulled the Grand Slam of Golf from Trump Los Angeles, but remains committed to Trump Bedminster for the 2022 PGA Championship.

"Are guns welcome at Trump hotels? Depends on whom you ask"

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Following Wednesday’s Republican presidential debate discussion, Jonathan Allen of Reuters seeks to answer the question: are guns welcome at Trump hotels?

Allen sets up the moment from the debate:

Trump, who has spent months as the Republican favorite in polls, was in the middle of saying that gun-free zones in schools and elsewhere are a "catastrophe" that only make it easier for shootings to happen when a moderator asked him about his properties.

"We called a few Trump resorts," said moderator Carl Quintanilla, "that do not allow guns with or without a permit. Would you change those policies?"

Trump's eyes drifted up in thought for a split second. "I would change them," he said almost immediately, in a tone suggesting he had not considered it before but liked the idea. "OK. I would change them."

But Allen reports good news for those wanted to carry a Glock around the Blue Monster just in case the group in front of you gets too slow.

But the Trump Organization said there was nothing to change: guns are already allowed at Trump properties, even if the boss and some resorts appear unaware of this.

"While laws vary substantially from jurisdiction to jurisdiction," the company said in a statement, "we allow security personnel and other licensed individuals the ability to carry a firearm in an effort to protect themselves, our guests, associates and the general public." The firm, based in New York City, is opposed to gun-free zones, the statement said.

It declined to say why Trump and some of his hotels seemed unaware of this policy. Spokeswomen for Trump, who has been attacked by his Republican rivals who accuse him of being a less-than-serious candidate, did not respond to requests for comment.

Allen says calls to Trump properties either were not returned or garnered irritable hang-ups.

 

The Donald Randomly Decides To Belittle Bandon Dunes

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In between Tweets about poll numbers from New Hampshire and plugging a Sean Hannity interview--because, what better time?--Donald Trump's Twitter account fired off this random thought on the superiority of his overseas resorts over Bandon Dunes resort.

The Tweet: 

Of course, don't forget that I exclusive reported on April 1, 2014 that Donald Trump was closing in on a Bandon purchase. Still may happen!

The Donald Taking His Windfarm Fight To UK's Supreme Court

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You have to give the man credit, he's determined!

As I've written a few times, he is right that giant windmills off the coast of Trump International will spoil views, but fascinatingly, the Scottish people don't agree because jobs are at stake.

The Guardian's Owen Bowcott reports on the latest legal saga in Scotland for Donald Trump.

The New York tycoon, who declared he was prepared to spend $1bn (£650m) to advance his political ambitions, has sufficient resources to bankroll another round of protracted, private litigation. He has already threatened to take his lawsuit to European courts if he loses in the supreme court.

Trump, 69, whose mother was Scottish, did not appear in person at the supreme court in Westminster on Thursday.

WaPo (Style): Trump Cheats At Golf; The Donald Bites Back

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I wasn't sure if this was a serious investigative piece by Ben Terris until the Style section placement helped make this seem less Onionesque and took some edge off. Some.  (Thanks to Tim who sent this.)

Talking to three former Trump golf partners--Mark Mulvoy, Alice Cooper, Rick Reilly--Terris concludes Donald Trump plays by his own rules on the course. A similar taint dogged Bill Clinton and still does, but as Commander-in-Chief no one was about to call him on it. The same situation seems to be part of the Trump matter.

Naturally, The Donald was not pleased with the comments, not even remembering Mulvoy and throwing a few jabs at Reilly's writing.

Reilly told The Washington Post about an afternoon when Trump wrote down scores he didn’t actually achieve on his scorecard, conceded putts to himself by raking the ball into the hole with his putter rather than striking it properly (“He rakes like my gardener!”), and even called a gimme — something a player might claim for a two-foot putt — on what should have been a chip shot.

“He took the world’s first gimme chip-in,” Reilly said. At one point, Trump, after taking a number of second shots, told Reilly to “make sure you write that I play my first ball. You don’t get a second ball in life.” In life it may or may not be true that a person gets a second chance; and yet, as Reilly wrote, on holes 1, 13 and 17, Trump did indeed get a second ball.

Naturally, Reilly's writing came under fire from the Presidential candidate.

Trump disputes Reilly’s entire story as well: “I always thought he was a terrible writer,” he said. “I absolutely killed him, and he wrote very inaccurately. I would say that he’s a very dishonest writer. . . . I never took a gimme chip shot. . . . I don’t do gimme chip shots. If I asked his approval, that’s not cheating, number one. Number two, I never took one.”

And to be clear, Reilly wasn't complaining.

But Reilly noted something else about playing with Trump that is echoed by others who have played with him: He had an amazing time. Trump played with confidence and bravado, he tipped the caddies, he gave great pointers that helped his comrades with problem swings. So what if he cheats? The guy is a lot of fun!

“It’s his limo ride, his golf course. The guy paid for lunch — what are you going to do?” Reilly said. “He’s exhausting, but I want to be clear: I really liked him. It was just like being in a crazy carnival for a day. Though I’m not sure it would be so much fun when it starts to count.”

Ex-First Minister Salmond: Trump's Odds Of Landing The Scottish Open "Lengthening"

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The former First Minister of Scotland was instrumental in pushing for investing in the Scottish Open and protecting its now important spot on the European Tour. While he's no longer in charge, Alex Salmond is still clued in to the proceedings.

So it's somewhat telling he's suggesting to The Scotsman Martin Dempster that the time separation from comments made by Donald Trump this summer, to the scolding he received, to now leading in polls, has not helped the chances of Trump International landing three of the next five Aberdeen Asset Management sponsored Scottish Opens.

“It’s not my decision, but I would have thought Mr Trump’s odds are lengthening as far as these matters are concerned,” he replied to being asked about the American hosting the tournament before adding, jokingly: “But he might become the president of the United States of America. He might say, ‘do it or else’!” His tone becoming serious once more, Salmond continued: “Look, let’s talk positively. There’s absolutely no doubt it’s an absolutely great golf course. But there are things to consider in the fullness of time, and I’m sure Aberdeen Asset and the Tour will be considering these matters. Obviously the PGA of America made a decision, a quite understandable decision. Politics is a rough, old trade, as Mr Trump will find out. Sometimes you can say things when you’re a television star, but not necessarily when you’re a politician.”

Earlier this year Trump suggested his Aberdeen area course would be getting the 2017, 2019 and 2020 Scottish Opens and there were indications an announcement was postponed at Gullane during this year's event.

The R&A downplayed Trump's comments as an issue for Turnberry's future Open Championship hopes.

As for Trump National Los Angeles' Grand Slam of Golf, the PGA of America tells me they are still working on a replacement venue and will let us know as soon as they have something. The event is six weeks away.

Photo Caption Fun: The Donald And The Great One

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There's a superb photo gallery accompanying Steve Polti's most enjoyable Star-Ledger column on Donald Trump taking The Barclays by storm.

While most of the photos were pretty self-explanatory, I just felt like this caption on John Munson's image didn't quite tell us everything:

Donald Trump and Wayne Gretzky watch Dustin Johnson on the 14th hole during the final round of The Barclays golf tournament at the Plainfield Country Club.

Don't get me wrong, it works, but I feel like we, as fans of the Star Ledger, might be able to do better...