As the golf world continues to distance itself from outgoing US President Donald Trump, his ownership of the Ferry Point Golf Links in New York City is the latest relationship to crumble since last week’s coup on the US Capitol.
The Trump Golf Links was designed by Jack Nicklaus who endorsed Trump in his bid for reelection this year. However, after five people were killed last week in the name of Trump’s repeated and unfounded allegations of election fraud, the New York Mayor has become the latest to vocalise his concerns over the City’s association with Trump.
“The President incited a rebellion against the United States government that killed five people and threatened to derail the constitutional transfer of power,” said New York City Mayor, Bill de Blasio. “The City of New York will not be associated with those unforgivable acts in any shape, way or form, and we are immediately taking steps to terminate all Trump Organisation contracts.”
The announcement comes hot on the heels of the PGA of America stripping Trump Bedminster of its hosting rights to the 2022 PGA Championship, and also follows a statement from the R&A who insisted they have no interest in staging an Open Championship at Turnberry while Trump’s name sits over the gate.
It’s also understood that Trump’s contract with the Central Park Carousel and two ice skating rinks in the city will also be cancelled after last week’s violence, which led to Trump making history as the first sitting US President to be impeached twice.
“Mr Trump’s incitement of violence at our Capitol was an abomination,” said New York City Corporation Counsel, James E Johnson.
“In light of last week’s attack on our Capitol and our democracy, we have concluded that it is in the best interests of New Yorkers for the City to commence the process of cancelling these contracts and terminating its business ties with the Trump Organisation.
The President’s son, Eric Trump, has unsurprisingly slammed the moves, insisting any cancellation of such contracts is illegal and that the Trump Organisation would be seeking compensation.
“This is yet another example of Mayor de Blasio’s blatant disregard for the facts,” he said. “The City of New York has no legal right to end our contracts, and if they elect to proceed, they will owe the Trump Organisation over $30m. This is nothing more than political discrimination, an attempt to infringe on the first amendment and we plan to fight vigorously.”
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