Golf

Sacked PGA president Ted Bishop apologises over ‘Lil Girl’ comments to Ian Poulter

‘This is a classic example of poor use of social media on my part’

The PGA of America has relieved president Ted Bishop of his duties after comments he made on social media. Photograph: Scott Halleran/Getty Images
The PGA of America has relieved president Ted Bishop of his duties after comments he made on social media. Photograph: Scott Halleran/Getty Images
Sat Oct 25 2014 - 13:48

Sacked PGA of America president Ted Bishop has apologised for calling Ian Poulter a "Lil Girl" in a series of outbursts on social media.

Bishop, the 38th PGA president, was reacting to the Englishman making critical remarks in his recently-released autobiography about Tom Watson and Nick Faldo's methods as Ryder Cup captains.

Bishop first wrote on Twitter on Thursday: “IanJamesPoulter – Faldo’s record stands by itself. Six majors and all-time RC points. Yours vs. His? Lil Girl. NickFaldo006 pgaofamerica.”

Bishop then expanded his point on Facebook, saying: “Used to be athletes who had lesser records or accomplishments in a sport never criticised the icons.

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"Tom Watson (8 majors and a 10-3-1 Ryder Cup record) and Nick Faldo (6 majors and all-time Ryder Cup points leader) get bashed by Ian James Poulter. Really? Sounds like a little school girl squealing during recess. C'MON MAN!"

Bishop eventually deleted the posts but it was not enough to spare him the sack, with the PGA of America announcing on Friday that it had voted to relieve Bishop of his duties.

A statement read: “The PGA of America board of directors voted today to remove Ted Bishop from office for insensitive gender-based statements posted yesterday on social media. The board deemed the remarks to be inconsistent with the policies of the PGA.”

PGA chief executive Pete Bevacqu 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.

“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 has since apologised for his comments in a statement issued to sections of the media.

“I want to apologise to Ian Poulter and anyone else that I might have offended with my remarks on social media that appeared on October 23, 2014,” he said in a statement reported on www.geoffshackelford.com.

“Particularly, I have great remorse that my comments contained the words ‘little girl’ because I have always been a great advocate for girls and women in golf.

“My two children, both girls, have made their careers in golf. I have a four-year old granddaughter who I hope will someday play the game. In my 37-year career in golf, I have worked with many women to grow the sport and I have been a champion for inclusion and equal rights for women in golf.

“However, this is a classic example of poor use of social media on my part and if I had the chance to hit the delete button on the things that I sent out yesterday, I would without hesitation.

“The PGA of America asked me to avoid any interaction with the media in the past 24 hours and that is why I did not issue a formal and public apology, which I have wanted to do since early this morning.”

Meanwhile, vice-president Derek Sprague has been appointed interim PGA of America president until November 22nd, when there will be an election.