Specifically, Trump said that golf should not be made more inclusive, but should instead be elitist and something to aspire for. Trump argued that many professional athletes only really start playing golf after they retire and are already wealthy.
Instead of making golf affordable, Trump wants it to remain as elitist as possible. People who can’t afford to golf could aspire to be able to afford to golf, in Trump’s view. Some extra hard work, apparently, will result in success and extra income, and once people are rich enough, let them golf to their heart’s content.
Trump also appears to be against allowing young people to golf. When commenting, he argued that golf groups shouldn’t try to push golfing onto young people because it would distract them from playing other sports.
In Trump’s mind, allowing children and non-rich people to play golf is bringing the sport down.
Many golf courses, golf club makers, and other golf-related organizations have been working actively to tear down the status of golf as a rich person’s game. Outreach programs, cheap public golf courses, special discount days, cheap seasonal passes, youth prices, and other efforts have encouraged more and more people to pick up some golf clubs and give them some swings.
Unsurprisingly, Trump’s puzzling statements have already forced major golf organizations to distance themselves from him. The LPGA, PGA Tour, PGA of America and USGA all banned together to issue a joint statement denouncing Trump and his views. The organizations noted that they rarely comment on presidential campaign politics, but that Trump’s inflammatory remarks merited a response.
Univision, Macy’s, and NBC have also cut ties with Trump, largely due to comments he made directed at Mexico and immigrants.
Trump’s name graces some 18 different golf courses, and his massive conglomerate owns 15 golf courses.