Associated Press
Ted Bishop was ousted Friday as president of the PGA of America
over a tweet and Facebook post directed at British golfer Ian
Poulter.
Bishop was unhappy with comments Poulter made in his book about
the Ryder Cup captaincy of Nick Faldo in 2008 and Tom Watson last
month at Gleneagles. Bishop was with Faldo on Thursday when he
tweeted to Poulter, "Faldo's record stands by itself. Six majors
and all-time RC points. Yours vs. His? Lil Girl."
In a separate posting on his Facebook page, Bishop lamented that
athletes who had "lesser records or accomplishments in a sport
never criticized the icons." He mentioned Watson's eight majors and
10-3-1 record in the Ryder Cup, and Faldo's six majors and record
Ryder Cup points getting "bashed" by Poulter.
"Really? Sounds like a little school girl squealing during
recess. C'MON MAN!"
He deleted the tweet and the Facebook post later Thursday
evening and said in an email to the AP that "I could have selected
some different way to express my thoughts on Poulter's
remarks."
In removing Bishop as president, the PGA of America board said
the remarks were inconsistent with association's policies.
"The PGA of America understands the enormous responsibility it
has to lead this great game and to enrich lives in our society
through golf," PGA chief executive Pete Bevacqua said in a
statement. "We must demand of ourselves that we make golf both
welcoming and inclusive to all who want to experience it, and
everyone at the PGA of America must lead by example."
Bishop, a head golf professional from Indiana, had one month
remaining on his two-year term as president.
Derek Sprague, expected to be voted in as the next president at
the Nov. 22 annual meeting, was appointed the interim president.
Paul Levy will handle the roles as vice president and secretary
until the election.
Copyright 2014 Associated Press
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