PGA Golf Boss Fired for Twitter Comments
Ted Bishop, the president of the Professional Golf Association of America, lost his job on Friday for making "insensitive gender-based statements" on his Twitter account.
The comments were in response to parts of a new autobiography by English golfer Ian Poulter.
Sick of Faldo
In the book Poulter criticises Nick Faldo for calling Sergio Garcia "useless" during the 2008 Ryder Cup contest – captained by Faldo – that resulted in a rare European defeat.
The European team were furious with Faldo throughout that tournament, according to Poulter's memoir.
Ian Poulter (isogood/Bigstock.com)
"Lil Girl"
Riled by these words, the American PGA boss referred to Poulter as a 'Lil girl' on his Twitter account – in comments that were eventually deleted.
Poulter meanwhile called the outburst “pretty shocking and disappointing”.
Bishop said later on his Facebook account that he "could have selected some different ways" to get his point across. He was removed from his post just a month before his contract was set to conclude.
Pete Bevacqua, the CEO of the American PGA said, "The PGA of America understands the enormous responsibility it has to lead this great game and to enrich lives in our society through golf."
Bevacqua continued, "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."
The gender-focussed Twitter comments come at a time when golf is trying to become more female-friendly.
Females Allowed After 260 years
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club, St Andrews recently announced that women would be allowed to join the club for the first time in its 260 year history.
Nicole Kidman Brings Attention to Women's Game
And the game has been taken up by some high profile females in recent times, not least of whom is Nicole Kidman, who took part in a golf tournament in China on Saturday – although a 'Marilyn Monroe' moment took attention away from her golf swing somewhat.
Nicole Kidman (Joe Seer/Bigstock.com)
Taking Up Golf?
Autumn may not seem like the ideal season to take up golf, but don't forget there are scores of superb golf courses just a couple of hours away from the UK by air. Portugal, Spain and even Morocco offer world class golfing venues, often featuring great accommodation and spa facilities.
If you're going on a golfing holiday soon, don't forget to take out golf travel insurance to keep your golf equipment safe. You can add golf cover easily and affordably to your starttravel.co.uk travel insurance.
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