Politics

Trump moving up in golf world, will host 2022 PGA

Donald Trump has always craved hosting one of golf’s major championships at one of the golf courses he owns. His Trump National Golf Club Bedminster property in Central Jersey seemed like a logical place because of its proximity to New York City and the USGA headquarters in Far Hills, N.J.

On Thursday, Trump got the next best thing to a U.S. Open when the PGA of America awarded Trump Bedminster the 104th PGA Championship in August 2022.

It has been a big year — a big week — for Trump and his passion for golf. Just days ago, it was announced he successfully purchased the iconic British Open venue at the Turnberry Resort on the west coast of Scotland. With Turnberry a part of the British Open rotation of courses — it was last held there in 2009 — Trump is in line to host that major championship, too.

His Trump Doral, which was completely renovated in the last year, hosted the PGA Tour’s WGC-Cadillac event in March and seemingly has become a regular Tour stop.

The PGA of America also announced the Trump National Golf Club Washington, D.C., in Potomac Falls, Va., will host the 2017 Senior PGA Championship.

Trump National Golf Club Bedminster will be the third New Jersey course to host a PGA Championship, marking the Championship’s fourth overall visit to the state.

“It is my great honor to be involved with the PGA of America, an organization which I have long respected,” Trump said Thursday. “I would like to thank [PGA of America president] Ted Bishop and [PGA CEO] Pete Bevacqua for having the confidence in me and The Trump Organization, and in particular recognizing the greatness of two facilities, one in the New York/New Jersey Metro area and the other, directly on the Potomac River in the D.C./Virginia/Maryland area.

“I have no doubt that these two highly acclaimed courses will lead to one of the best PGA and Senior PGA Championships ever.”

In addition to the Trump golf properties set to host PGA-sanctioned majors, the PGA of America will conduct four of its championships in the New York/New Jersey area in less than a decade. Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, N.J., is the site of the 2016 PGA Championship, and Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, N.Y., will host the 2019 PGA Championship and the 2024 Ryder Cup.

“The PGA of America is excited to begin a new chapter of major championship history by taking two of our premier championships to venues that bear the Trump label of excellence,” Bishop said. “Mr. Trump understands what it means to present both the finest venues in golf and an unforgettable experience for both our fans and the greatest players in the game.’’

Trump owns 17 world-class golf properties throughout North America, Europe and the Middle East.

His Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, built on the 600-acre former estate of sports car magnate John DeLorean, features two courses — the Old and New Course.

The Old Course, designed by Tom Fazio, which will also host the 2017 U.S. Women’s U.S. Open, opened for play in 2004 and plays to 7,560 yards.