PGA Fires Its President

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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