Opinion & Analysis

Bishop’s exit clears way for eradication of sexism in golf

Published

12 years ago

Oct 25, 2014

On Thursday, newly ex-PGA of America President Ted Bishop responded to criticism Ian Poulter levied against Nick Faldo in Poulter’s new book, first by calling Poulter a “lil girl” in a now-deleted post on Twitter, and subsequently elaborating that insult with a Facebook post that likened Poulter to “a little school girl squealing during recess.” Some 24 hours later, the PGA stripped Bishop of his title with only a month before he was to surrender it to another.

By swiftly and decisively removing Bishop from his post, the PGA of America has made the statement that they, at least, support a notion that is long overdue for acceptance as obvious in American society — that women are equal to men. By likening Poulter to a girl or a woman in order to insult him, Bishop implicitly supported the draconian view that women are somehow lesser beings than men.

As Bishop might say: “C’MON MAN!”

Bishop’s high-profile ouster from the PGA of America indicates that the organization believes that the days of men getting away with insulting men by likening them to women should be over. If the PGA is going to stand by the statement made by its actions Friday, it needs to keep hammering away at the notion that women are indeed welcome in golf.

This whole affair represents a very real opportunity for golf to make some headway in its current major struggle: growth of the game. Women make up less than one-fifth of all American golfers, according to National Golf Foundation statistics. Is it any wonder that their numbers are so small when the overriding atmosphere of the game is one of male dominance? If women played 50 percent more rounds of golf than they currently do, the game would be markedly healthier. Given the size of the potential pool of new women golfers, that number is not at all unrealistic.

Augusta National Golf Club accepted its first female members in 2012, and the R&A voted to follow suit just last month. With Friday’s decision, whether it planned to or not, the PGA very publicly embraced a trend in golf. Maybe it’s time for an update of the succinct, effective “I Swing Like A Girl” ad from the USGA.

But where do we go from here? How do we, avid golfers, help this effort?

A nice start would be to eliminate sexist statements from male golf chatter.

“Nice shot, grandma.”
“Try not to trip over your skirt on your way off the green.”
“GOLF: Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden.”
“Hit it, Alice!”
“Does your husband play golf?

I don’t have children, but if I have a daughter one day, I would like for her to feel comfortable learning to love golf, to feel like a golf course is a place where she belongs. One way to ensure that future is to train the current and future generations of male golfers to seriously accept girls and women as equals. Here’s hoping the PGA of America and other male golfers want the same.

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PGA President Ted Bishop calls Poulter a “Lil Girl,” loses his job

Tim Gavrich

Tim grew up outside of Hartford, Conn., playing most of his formative golf at Hop Meadow Country Club in the town of Simsbury. He played golf for four years at Washington & Lee University (Division-III) and now lives in Pawleys Island, S.C., and works in nearby Myrtle Beach in advertising. He's not too bad on Bermuda greens, for a Yankee. A lifelong golf addict, he cares about all facets of the game of golf, from equipment to course architecture to PGA Tour news to his own streaky short game.

61 Comments

Rodan

Nov 2, 2014 at 5:29 pm

Typical media response, instead of writing based on the facts you have inferred what TB meant when he said what he said, you are the problem here! Was he discriminating against little girls??? I don’t know, do little girls squeal more than others???? Probably. Just like little boys squeal more than men…..

Really, besides Ian Poulter is a self absorbed “toolbox” (oh no, I just insulted a toolbox!) look at his social media posts……all his cars, private jets….etc. He may have more stuff, so what?

Reply Report comment
Ponjo

Oct 31, 2014 at 4:57 pm

Squealing like little boy doesn’t sound right 🙂

Reply Report comment
wineyax

Oct 31, 2014 at 1:51 pm

You make TED BISHOP look like COUNT DRACULA.

Its just not fair IMHO.

Reply Report comment
Jecarnl

Oct 29, 2014 at 1:34 pm

What a PC bull crap.

Reply Report comment
snowman

Oct 28, 2014 at 12:17 pm

The Headline of this article is complete rubbish and the content is PC BS. This article should have been Published in Ms. or Cosmo. Do you honestly think firing Bishop will do Anything to bring more women into the game or whatever it is that the PC police are advocating? No Way!. What a bunch of PC Drivel.

Reply Report comment
- Ruben Acosta
  
  Oct 30, 2014 at 9:32 am
  
  There does seem to be a lot of male chauvinism in golf, this is just one example of how it can manifest. I think that Bishop’s reply was inappropriate and meant to be derogatory. One way we chide each other is to say something that will provoke the other. His mistake was that it also provokes many others. I think if Golf really wanted to “grow” the game they would put their efforts to those areas that have the most growth potential. That area is the LPGA and its tournaments. If you look at just what has happened in the last decade you have the FedEx people make up this desperate attempt to make their own major. They tell us how important early season points are and demand attention to that , but when it comes to it anybody wins playoff tournament it negates all those prior performance. I think they should take half of that money and devote it to LPGA and building purses. Another inequity is Golf Channel, their coverage of LPGA is pitiful and they will repeat play of PGA events more than once. And also since they seem to have trouble realizing the value of some of their best women sportcasters such as Winn McMurry and Holly Sonders. Forget about the FedEx and how important it is, this year the guy won 13.5 million dollars. I mean is this really a valid outcome? I am glad for Billy and he did play great at the end of this season but I don’t like how FEDEX tries to be more important than it is.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Bill
    
    Nov 1, 2014 at 8:32 pm
    
    Really lame, inaccurate take Rueben. Poulter deserved to be called out for HIS stupid comments. Bishops reply may have been unprofessional at best. Wuss, little girl etc fits Poulter for his take on Faldo. Gavrich (the author) is using this unrelated incident to grind a mythical ax against sexism.
    The author is mixing fictional politics with fact and landing way off target. Non story at best.
    
    Reply Report comment
Johnny

Oct 28, 2014 at 11:55 am

Bishop’s exit clears the way for the eradication of sexism in golf?

Seriously? That has to be one of the most ignorant statements I have read in the coverage of this story. And there have been many such statements to choose from.

Reply Report comment
Jafar

Oct 28, 2014 at 10:32 am

This is dumb.

Everyone involved in this looks really stupid.

I don’t even want to comment anymore, I hope this story gets buried after this week.

Reply Report comment
Scooter McGavin

Oct 28, 2014 at 9:24 am

I am seeing way too many comments saying “men and women ARE different”. That is not the point. Let me repeat. That is not the point. The point is that it is offensive and sexist to use calling someone a girl as an insult. It’s the same as how we are trying to quit calling people or things “gay” as an insult, because it is demeaning to gay people. Most of you are not getting it because you are, for the most part, white, heterosexual men, and as such, are not typically on the receiving end of these slurs. Just because you have not had your race, gender, or sexual orientation used as a demeaning slur, does not mean that it is not offensive to others that have had it happen to them. In the United States, at least, racial minorities, LGBT’s, and women have had to come from behind from being second class citizens, and each time someone says an insult like “lil girl” (or its equivalent with racial minorities and LGBT’s) it only succeeds in slowing down the progress we are making with achieving equality, understanding, and acceptance. Again, just because your race and gender have not had to go through the same issue does not mean it is not a serious reality.

Reply Report comment
- John
  
  Oct 28, 2014 at 12:03 pm
  
  Great article and well said Scooter. Unfortunately, thoughtful posts ike yours get buried in the cascade of reactionary nonsense that forums on golfwrx are well known for.
  
  Reply Report comment
- Jeremy
  
  Oct 28, 2014 at 12:11 pm
  
  Finally. Thank you for framing it the right way.
  
  Reply Report comment
- 502 to Right
  
  Oct 29, 2014 at 9:59 pm
  
  Yes, it is the point.
  
  Reply Report comment
Buggs

Oct 28, 2014 at 8:58 am

Stupid article.

Reply Report comment
markhd

Oct 27, 2014 at 5:23 pm

C’mon, folks. This will keep happening as long as organizations keep telling 60-year-old guys that they “have to engage on social media” in order to market effectively. This is simply and wholly a marketing breakdown within the PGA. Handing a Twitter account to a CEO from past generations is roughly the same as handing a shotgun to a duck. They should not have fired Mr. Bishop. They should certainly have fired whomever is in charge of marketing and PR at the PGA. Yes, Mr. Bishop should have known he was holding a weapon of personal destruction when he picked up his cell phone or tablet of choice. His bad. But ultimately, his organization’s marketing people should never, ever have let him put his head on that block.

Forewarned is forearmed, and Lord knows these sorts of organizations have seen this carnage too often in the past. Just dumb. Tragic, yes. But mostly dumb.

Reply Report comment
Patricknorm

Oct 27, 2014 at 4:52 pm

The people I play golf with don’t comment like many of you do on this site. What I mean is that whether I play in a sanctioned tournament or a friendly Sunday morning skins game we don’t throw away lines like Ted Bishop did. We are to a fault quite polite and aware of each other’s peculuarites.
Most of you are focusing on what he said rather than its context. If I’m a PGA member I want my head guy to be professional and a good leader.
If Ted Bishop is meant to be the talking head for the PGA then it’s pretty hard to attract strong sponsors with this kind of throw away line. Regardless of what you think of Poulter, he wasn’t wrong.
Is this article overly sensitive? Depends on your context. If I’m playing with another CEO I’d choose my words carefully.
If I’m hanging with my 20 something buddies then anything goes. Ted Bishop in his capacity was better off saying zero.

Reply Report comment
James

Oct 27, 2014 at 3:26 pm

When did men become the enemy of women and why? Political correctness is wrecking society. As much as everyone would LOVE to have a utopia where all are equal it isn’t a reality among human beings. Not everyone is the same and men and women are totally different even in many ways other than physical. Men like to look at pretty pictures of women and women tend to prefer the romance of the written word. Men are visual and women verbal if you will.

Seems to me these days, people are looking for stuff to claim “offense” over. Everyone is a victim of some unseen force apparently.

Reply Report comment
chad ryan

Oct 27, 2014 at 2:43 pm

If you think a man should be fired for saying “little girl” then you are also a little girl. There is nothing offensive to women about saying that. And i’m sorry but newsflash to all you PC people – women, especially little/young ones (as bishop was inferring) ARE IN FACT weaker than grown men. This will come as a shock to everyone who thinks that women play from the red tees that are 100 yds in front of the men’s tees simply because they prefer the color. Furthermore – one of the great aspects of the Rider cup is the US vs euro rivalry. If Phil mickelson had tweeted the same thing he would have been praised for supporting his team. I feel sorry for Mr Bishop, he really got thrown under the bus for nothing. And by the way….”SEXISM IN GOLF”? give me a break. You want golf to be “un-sexist”? Make the women play from the same tees as men. That would be unsexist. You want an even playing field? play from the tips like everyone else.

Reply Report comment
- Bill
  
  Oct 27, 2014 at 3:31 pm
  
  “Bishop’s exit clears way for eradication of sexism in golf”
  
  So Mr. Bishop was the only barrier standing in between us and a game free of sexism? Golf is the most elitist, sexist, racist, and exclusive game in the world. Firing one old white guy is meaningless.
  
  Also can you get fired for saying the sky is blue?
  
  Reply Report comment
loubdoobe

Oct 27, 2014 at 9:06 am

Seriously, get over the political correctness. Women are physically weaker than men and losing your sense of humor over a figurative expression is asinine.

Reply Report comment
- Bruce Wayne
  
  Oct 27, 2014 at 11:49 am
  
  Agreed. Bishops remark was not sexist. This story is being blown up way to much. At worst it was just a little banter on social media which was probably not the best place to do it. This story is an example of political correctness being taken way to far. I wonder if Bishop would have called Poulter a peacock for the flamboyant manner in which he dresses if Bishop would have been fired for violating animal rights for racially stereo typing an animal. This is just rediculous.
  
  Reply Report comment
- Jeremy
  
  Oct 27, 2014 at 12:13 pm
  
  The comment had nothing to do with physical strength.
  
  Reply Report comment
dapadre

Oct 27, 2014 at 6:23 am

I agree totally with the comment from the former PGA prez. I dont think it was meant to be sexist and was referring to little girls squealing as one may refer to boys being rascally. Now taken that from his position its not professional I think a suspension or penalty would have been the correct thing to do. I mean Ian P is not exactly Golfs choir boy (ooeps is that PC or is that allowed or will I also no be banned by Golfwrx).I live in Europe and believe me Ian P.has done some crazy things.

I do believe that this was done to MARKET their toughness. Look at the statement the Russian Tennis President made.I found that to be more hurtful. Note I may have missed it but did anyone complain from the LPGA? Its irritating when groups are so-called protected (in this case women) when they could care less.Whats the next step, can I refer to my golf pal who happens to be white as Bro. Im black and this term can be traced back to the black community. Can we see how silly this is becoming. I hope they dont think by toughening up this will bring more golfers back.

As for Ian P.I dont think he wanted this to happen, BUT the gods of golf are watching. When you point one finger three are pointing back at you. Karma is a B…h ( can I say that now actually).

Reply Report comment
Mad-Mex

Oct 26, 2014 at 11:33 pm

So, are they still trying to figure out why golf is loosing players?

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Tyler

Oct 26, 2014 at 9:41 pm

Men and women ARE different. I respect that Golfwrx, due to it’s profile and relationship with so many manufacturers and advertisers (and same for its partner Golf Digest) must write such an article to score points with said other parties, but that doesn’t mean golf is a sport for sexists. Ted Bishop made a very strange comment, and probably wasn’t fit for his former position. That said, Ian Poulter is whiney, and annoying to listen to – all the way down to his angry birds/boy band haircut. He really does need to shut up because he really isn’t half the player Faldo is or was. Bishop was not wrong on that point. Again though, very strange choice of comments, perhaps a few less cocktails before taking to social media next time Ted.

Regarding women and ‘growing the game’ through their demo, my girlfriend enjoys playing golf, but her ceiling is about one hour and then she loses interest. Also, she will NEVER pay more than $300 for a cheap matched set, and she didn’t play baseball or softball so it’s as foreign to her as me trying to apply foundation or explain the term hypoallergenic! For 90% of american women this is the case. I’d you want to pull in the female demographic you need to simplify the game and the experience, and drop the entry level expense. Such as a 150yd tee for casual ladies, do more to popularize 9 hole rounds so they can get in and out without killing everyone else’s round, and talk the big boy manufacturers into creating sets for everyday ladies who aren’t interested in breaking 90. But also aren’t willing to blow cash on some overly cheap Walmart set.

Or you could just accept that the golf industry is driven by men -who are more interested to ogle cart girls and are susceptible to being sucked into the allure of a cleverly marketed $400 driver (which they can’t fly 250 straight). Ie, the type to retreat back to the club and tweet from the cherrywood and leather adorned friendly confines of the boys club.. Ie, Ted Bishop..

When the golf industry is ready to disrupt ITSELF.. ESPECIALLY GOLFWRX AND GOLF DIGEST (who peddle clubs the average man or woman can scarcely afford).. expect NO change, just more lip service such as this article..

Reply Report comment
Will

Oct 26, 2014 at 5:28 pm

You guys are overreacting. This article is clearly written in a sarcastic tone.

Reply Report comment
Nick

Oct 26, 2014 at 3:29 pm

Men and Women are NOT the same. Another thing when things are said such as “men…” that is what is called a generalization and it’s implicit that their are exceptions. So generalizing, women whine more than men, women are physically not as strong as men. Sexism exists cause it’s real, everyone is not the same.

Reply Report comment
- Tyler
  
  Oct 26, 2014 at 7:59 pm
  
  The generalization that woman whine more than men is complety false. Studies show men and woman whine the same amount its just when woman do it we call it whining and when men do whine we call it expressing our thoughts. As for men and woman hitting the ball not as far, I would love to see you in a long drive competition with Michelle Wie.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - joey5picks
    
    Oct 26, 2014 at 10:07 pm
    
    Michelle Wei is not the typical woman, so using her to support your point is a fallacy. As a group, men ARE stronger than women and DO hit it further. Fact.
    
    “Studies show” men and women whine the same amount? Studies also show people cite ficticious studies to try to prove a point.
    
    Reply Report comment
  - marriedwithchildren
    
    Oct 26, 2014 at 10:17 pm
    
    Married men would disagree with you as to who whines more.
    
    Reply Report comment
  - rer4136
    
    Oct 27, 2014 at 4:29 pm
    
    Do you find the term “Man up” offensive?
    
    Reply Report comment
- Jeremy
  
  Oct 27, 2014 at 12:12 pm
  
  He didn’t call Poulter a “lil girl” because he only hit his drive 230 yards. The comment had absolutely nothing to do with physical strength.
  
  You’re a complainer. You have a lousy attitude. You’re a girl.
  
  Get it?
  
  Reply Report comment
Large chris

Oct 26, 2014 at 3:02 pm

Ridiculous to fire him for non existent sexism.

Correct to fire him for being inept and unable to use social media in a professional way. Anyone with a brain knows that in a corporate environment if you choose to use social media publicly you do so in a manner that is not personally critical of others, particularly of your own employees.

Always amazes me how many high powered supposedly clever masters of the universe don’t get that.

Reply Report comment
KT

Oct 26, 2014 at 2:42 pm

As a man, I am offended by the “come on man” phrase.

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Harry G.

Oct 26, 2014 at 1:48 pm

Right on Ted! The notion that women will save golf from the contraction it is experiencing is missing the reality of the situation. Young boys and girls will not spend long hours practicing a game that takes years of dedication and experience to play proficiently, not to mention 5 hours to play! Ever wonder why the U. S. can’t win the Ryder Cup? Look whose running the show!

Reply Report comment
Jake Anderson

Oct 26, 2014 at 12:12 pm

Spot on, Mr. Garvich! What a wonderful article!

Reply Report comment
rickrock

Oct 26, 2014 at 11:47 am

The Anti-PC-Police are out in force today! I guess they must do their policing before church, lol.

This was a fireable offense, no doubt. No so much for what Bishop said, but for the fact that he took it to one of his own members on Twitter?!? Just… wow. Poor, poor leadership skills there, Ted.

Given that most of the differences between the sexes can be traced back to socialization, the need to change the words we use becomes more important if we want to see each other as equals.

Did the ‘lil girl’ comment cross the line? I’m not sure, but the PGA is clearly better off with Bishop gone.

Reply Report comment
paul

Oct 26, 2014 at 10:40 am

Where I live we don’t have nearly as much political correctness. I had to read about Teds comments twice to see why it was sexist… Little boys squeal as well as little girls, little girls just squeal more often and louder. Sounds like poulter to me ???? I had my sensitive wife read this so far, she doesn’t see my comment as sexist.

Reply Report comment
PCPolice

Oct 26, 2014 at 9:22 am

The PC police will come for everyone until the communist manifesto has been fully implemented.

Reply Report comment
Dave

Oct 26, 2014 at 8:00 am

What a bunch of baloney. Firing a guy over nonsense like this. I’d bet someone had it in for Bishop. Let’s get this guy.

The world has gone completely crazy. I weep for the young people.

Reply Report comment
- dwntnbrown
  
  Oct 26, 2014 at 2:49 pm
  
  tis not a guy it a lil girl who got their feelings hurt. if it wasn’t for what they are sitting on there would be a bounty on their ears
  
  Reply Report comment
- rer4136
  
  Oct 27, 2014 at 4:31 pm
  
  We live in a country where some think same sex marriage is an important issue. Its the young people causing the problem.
  
  Reply Report comment
darrell

Oct 25, 2014 at 11:08 pm

Most of this article is a complete fabrication. “likening Poulter to a girl or a woman in order to insult him” This a false statement Tim, he said “lil girl.”…lesser beings than men” Where did that reach come from? “insulting men by likening them to women” Again,, Tim he said “lil girl.” This article will play big in the liberal North East States, but those of us with an IQ over 14 are not going to fall for this false journalism. You are right in the fact that you do not have a little girl because if you did you would realize they squeal on the playground. This is something boys do not do. I am not condoning the statements made, however the reaction of the PGA board is way out of line. Using your leap in reporting…..you are denigrating all PGA members with this article, lumping all professionals in the woman hating crowd.

Reply Report comment
- JR
  
  Oct 26, 2014 at 3:32 pm
  
  People who are liberal probably think what Bishop wasn’t sexist too. Nice try.
  
  Reply Report comment
Tyler

Oct 25, 2014 at 10:39 pm

Haha well said Knobbywood, this world is becoming crazy. Its sad that instead of instilling confidence in kids, so when when someone calls them a silly name it doesn’t bother them because they are secure in who they are, we teach them to cry and be upset and tell the teacher. Anyways listening to morning drive this morning made me sick.

Reply Report comment
Steve Sales

Oct 25, 2014 at 10:28 pm

Dear Mr. Gavrich,
If you are so upset about how your future daughter might be uncomfortable about getting into golf because of the neocons involved how will you explain writing these scathing gender equality pieces for this website. If you will notice the “Leaderbord” section headers on the right side of this page you will find that only the male tours are listed. Talk about old bys club mentality! And you have the gall to take money from such an organization! What would your poor daughter say. How will she be able to face life with living with a demeaning jerk such as yourself.
Maybe the Enquirer has an opening? I feel you might be able to fully realize your full journalistic potential writing for those folks, you seem like a natural.

Reply Report comment
- loubdoobe
  
  Oct 27, 2014 at 9:09 am
  
  I agree.
  
  Reply Report comment
Rwj

Oct 25, 2014 at 8:22 pm

Sexism in golf from the male point of view. How is the LPGA’s continue use of coverage of the pretty girls helping sexism? They insist on tight skirts and blouses…that’s equality? I don’t understand how a group of guys playing together and razzing their buddies with “does your husband play” after a putt well short demean women? By your impression, make the ladies hit 600 yard par-5’s and all the par-3’s over 200 yards…equality all around or maybe, just maybe realize the sexes are different and stop being so critical of every single thing.

Reply Report comment
- rer4136
  
  Oct 27, 2014 at 4:34 pm
  
  Great point. All courses played at the same length. One set of tees for everyone. No exceptions, play it back.
  
  Reply Report comment
Dimarco

Oct 25, 2014 at 8:18 pm

I think the biggest issue is that the golf media is pumping up this story and pushing it as a highly sexist remark that women golfers NEED to be upset about. I talked this story over with my wife and she didn’t see it as sexist . She thought it was not a good remark for a PGA president to make but she thought using it as a beacon for change was a little bit of stretch. Neither of us felt that it has or will set back the women’s game.

What I find interesting is that we haven’t heard anything from the LPGA or any LPGA golfers on this yet.

Reply Report comment
Dave

Oct 25, 2014 at 8:08 pm

Look at a response Ian poulter had to a sports writer on twitter in this article. He uses a much more vulgar name but barely a peep from the media.

http://www.sbnation.com/golf/2014/3/9/5488298/ian-poulter-twitter-hideki-matsuyama-wgc-cadillac-championship-2014

Reply Report comment
RP Jacobs II

Oct 25, 2014 at 7:49 pm

This PC environment is ridiculous, LMAO. Its like an infectious communicable disease, lol. Was what he said foolish? Absolutely!! However where I am most dissapointed is that a president/CEO should have much more productive things to do with his time than to insert himself into a potentially controversial social media exchange.

What bothers me were not his words, however the thoughts, process and priorities of such a man. Now THAT bothers me greatly. My GF happens to be a LPGA Class A Master and she finds this all amusing especially the men who have come out of the wood work chirping about equality, sexism, bla, bla bla.

Her only question to the PC chirper was why have there no prominent women jumping on the PC band wagon?

They were there for Augusta.

No, Ted Bishop was a disappointment in so many areas, however this is typical of the PC movement in trying to make a minor issue into WW III, LOL.

Are females and Ladies where they should be in the game?

Absolutely not!!!

However it’s garbage like this that make the REAL issues that much tougher a hill to climb.

We don’t need a bunch of Type B passive PC male leading the charge, LMAO.

Have a nice week Gals & Gents 🙂

Fairways & Greens My Friends,
Richard

Reply Report comment
Roger

Oct 25, 2014 at 7:08 pm

Twitter will continue to assist in Workplace Dismissals!

Reply Report comment
D Snyder

Oct 25, 2014 at 7:00 pm

Would the powers that be have fired Bishop if he had said “lil boy” or “lil man”? What a bunch of PC bs…nothing “draconian” about it.

Reply Report comment
- Ryan
  
  Oct 25, 2014 at 8:30 pm
  
  Agreed..
  
  Reply Report comment
- Jeremy
  
  Oct 25, 2014 at 9:02 pm
  
  They wouldn’t have fired him if he’d said a lot of other things. But… he didn’t.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Knobbywood
    
    Oct 26, 2014 at 7:59 am
    
    Wow way to totally strike out on that analogy… Lil boy correlates to Lil girl… Unlike “alot of other things” also the sky is blue and 2+2 is 4
    
    Reply Report comment
    - Jeremy
      
      Oct 27, 2014 at 12:06 pm
      
      It was an admittedly lazy attempt to point out the flaw in D Snyder’s argument. If he’d said “idiot” like Poulter once famously did, it wouldn’t have been that bad (though still childish and unprofessional of a man in Bishop’s position). If he’d said “lil boy” he’d have probably gotten off the hook. But he said what he said and I wish the obnoxiousness of it were more obvious to a lot of people here.
      
      Reply Report comment
Ritch

Oct 25, 2014 at 6:25 pm

This is a good piece and I agree with the PGA’s actions. I work part-time in the pro shop at a local club. We have a number of events that we promote as coed but have a very difficult time getting women to participate. Some of this is due to the subtle and, in some cases, overt attitude expressed by the men about playing with women. There is one lady here who put the men at ease during our weekly senior scramble. There was a silent tension the first couple of holes but then, following a semi-shank on the third, she cut loose with a couple of expletives, the ice was broken and the rest of the round proceeded as good fun. One footnote regarding the comment “hit it Alice”, during an interview with Sports Illustrated, I believe, Peter Allis stated that he was responsible for that comment. Apparently, he hadn’t been putting well in his Ryder Cup match and after leaving another putt short, someone in the gallery spouted “hit it Allis”.

Reply Report comment
Ted

Oct 25, 2014 at 6:16 pm

This is the sort of useless drivel that’s beginning to make this site irrelevant. Calling someone a little girl is hardly sexist and anyone claiming so is delusional or succumbing to the irrational power of political correctness. Newsflash, there are inherent differences between boys and girls. Little girls are weak and immature. That doesn’t mean they are of a lesser standing than little boys. Alas, that’s not the issue here. Ted bishop was wrong to call out Ian Poulter but folks such as the author of this piece are doing a greater disservice to women and girls. By clinging to false notions of sexism and discrimination you prevent girls, young ladies, and women from toughening themselves against the realities of the world. Not everyone is going to like you. Not everyone is going to be nice to you. But, but highlighting trivial occurrences such as this one, you degrade the sensitivities of the general public when true instances of sexism arise.

Reply Report comment
Knobbywood

Oct 25, 2014 at 5:49 pm

This whole thing makes me sick… A guy lost his job for calling someone a little girl!! The world has gone totally insane with political correctness!! People are so easily offended by the slightest thing it makes my head spin… If this honestly offends you I am so glad I don’t have to interact with you

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Opinion & Analysis

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Published

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May 15, 2026

Ronald Montesano

Aronimink is not a storied club, but when Donald Ross himself proclaimed it to be as good as he can design and build, one had to take notice. Jay Sigel was the pre-eminent male amateur golfer from the mid-1970s to the mid-1990s. He might have called any number of Philadelphia clubs home, but he chose Aronimink. It served him well. Gary Player won a PGA Championship here in 1962, and was followed by the 1993 winner … nobody. Aronimink gave that event away to Inverness, for reasons of which it is certainly not proud. So be it. We had to wait sixty-four years for the PGA to return to Newtown Square, but here we are. Aronimink has been neo-restored by Gil Hanse and team, to return Ross features with an eye toward defense against the dark arts, errrr, high-tech equipment.

Day one saw Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau dig big holes, to the tune of plus-four and plus-six, respectively. Since the first-round lead will be minus-three at worst, many shots will need to be made up for the power couple to reach contention. By nightfall, seven golfers held the day-one lead at three-under par 67. Shots and sticks caught our attention, and we are proud to present Five Things We Learned on Tech Thursday at the 2026 PGA Championship. Thanks to InsideTourGolfer, Today’s Golfer, and GolfWRX for initial equipment research.

First, meet Min Woo Lee

Min Woo Lee, aka Dr. Chipinski, has once again thrust himself into the conversation of Can he, will he, when will he? Lee has so much talent, wins not nearly as often as we believe that he should, and has no major near-misses (much less titles) on his wiki. The young Aussie is getting older and wiser, but is he able to avoid the scarring that holds the older and wiser back from breaking through? Philadelphia offers another opportunity. Min Woo signed for five birdies and two bogeys on day one, and grabbed a share of the opening-day lead at Aronimink. Winners transcend history and the moment, and Lee will need that sort of ascent to lift the Wannamaker on Sunday.

Second, meet Aldrich Potgeiter

The young South African golfer can rip driver with the best of them. Aronimink tips out at nearly 7400 yards, but beyond the fairway bunkers that ensnare only the mortals, Potgeiter can take his chances with wedge from the rough. On Thursday, he spent plenty of time in the spinach. Like Popeye, he used his muscles to gouge and thrash and dig his way out. Six birdies against three bogeys on the card brought AP in a three deep.

Third, meet Martin Kaymer

Not a major event takes place without a where’s he been throwback moment. We know that Martin Kaymer left the PGA and DP World tours for LIV golf, but the two-time (US Open and PGA) major winner has a lifetime exemption into at least one major event, and he seizes the opportunity each May. Kaymer joined the six-seven brigade with four birdies and a solitary bogey on day one. Kaymer was never a long hitter, and the years are kind to no golfer. The German champion will need to uncork every bottle of guile and strategy in his cabinet to remain in contention. For today, though, he occupies a rung on the ladder of Tour Tech.

Fourth, meet Scottie Scheffler

Let’s see, he’s the defending champion at the PGA, and he found his way back to the top tier with five birdies against two bogeys. To be a favorite and then play up to that stature and expectation is quite difficult. Just ask Rory, Bryson, and some of the other pre-tournament heartthrobs. Scheffler’s game is complete, and to knock him off the OWGR #1 pedestal, one needs to defeat him at the majors. Aronimink is the sort of course that fits Scheffler’s game. Better yet, it unfits the game of many of his challengers. Don’t expect Scheffler to go away anytime soon. Come Sunday, he’ll be around.

Fifth, meet Stephan Jaeger

Clocking in for the unheralded players shift are Ryo Hisatsune and Stephan Jaeger. Hisatsune logged seven birdies on day one, but gave most of them back with four bogeys. Still, he’s tied at the top for a time. Jaeger pitched five birdies against two bogeys, including a run of three consecutive, from holes four through six. Odds are that one of the two will hang around through 36 holes. Odds also suggest that both will be gone by Saturday evening. Still, the PGA Championship has historically been the major most likely to be won by an under-known. Both Hisatsune and Jaeger feature on that list, so good luck, lads!

Club Junkie

Club Junkie’s Titleist GTS driver fitting results!

Published

2 weeks ago

May 14, 2026

Brian Knudson

On this episode of the Club Junkie Podcast, I head to the Titleist Performance Institute for a full driver fitting with the new Titleist GTS lineup. We dive into the fitting process, talk about what made the biggest difference in performance, and break down how the different GTS heads and shaft combinations compare on the launch monitor. If you are thinking about a new driver setup for this season, there is a lot to take away from this one.

I also get into Brooks Koepka and the gear setup he brought to the PGA Championship, including the putters that caught my eye during the week. There are some interesting equipment trends showing up at the highest level right now and we break down what stands out.

To wrap things up, I talk about reshafting a few wedges, what I learned during the process, and swapping an adaptor onto a new shaft for another build project in the shop. A gear packed episode from start to finish for anyone who loves golf equipment and club building.

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Club Junkie

Club Junkie WITB, week 16: New Titleist GTS woods!

Published

2 weeks ago

May 14, 2026

Brian Knudson

Excited for this week’s WITB as we get to add the new Titleist GTS woods to the bag! I was fit at Titleist’s TPI facility in Oceanside California a few weeks ago and my new clubs just showed up. I am also adding a cool set of irons that I built last year some wild custom wedges into a new golf bag. Speaking of the bag I have a new Ghost Anyday Black Ops stand bag that I will be using on my Motocaddy Remote M7 electric cart.

Driver: Titleist GTS3 (11 degrees @ 10.25)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Red 6s

3-wood: Titleist GT1 3Tour (14.5 degrees)
Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD CQ-7s

5-wood: Titleist GTS (18 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Red 7s

9-wood: Titleist GT1 (24 degress)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Red 7s

Irons: Bettinardi CB24 (5-PW)
Shafts: KBS C-Taper Lite 110 stiff

Wedge: TaylorMade MG5 (50-09 SB)
Shaft: Mitsubishi MMT 125 Stiff

Wedge: TaylorMade MG5 (56-12 SB)
Shaft: Mitsubishi MMT 125 Stiff

Wedge: TaylorMade MG5 (60-08 LB)
Shaft: Mitsubishi MMT 125 Stiff

Putter: Dan Carraher ZT Proto

Ball: Callaway Chrome Tour

Bag: Ghost Anyday Black Ops Stand Bag