It’s time. In fact it’s long overdue. Ted Bishop deserves to be reinstated as a past president of The PGA of America and given a full apology. This issue has bothered me for quite some time. I thought this would have already taken place but sadly my association has moved on. Big mistake.
Those not intricately involved in the sport or a member of the association has no clue what I’m writing about. If you dig a bit you can find the details of the incident online. But as I said previously, how this unfolded and resulted in Mr Bishop being fired from his position as PGA President hits a nerve.
A little background….
Every two years the PGA of America elects a new Board of Officers — Secretary, Vice President & President. The association also employs a CEO, currently Derek Sprague, the first member of the PGA of America to hold this position. The Board oversees the general well being of the association while the CEO is focused on its intricate business interests. Some are happy Mr. Sprague has assumed this position. They feel he will be more in touch with the association’s thirty thousand plus members,
The officers usually are employed by facilities or in the case of Ted Bishop, own and manage a golf facility. If you’d ask most members of the association they’d be hard pressed to identify the current Board members. I’ll help out. Our Secretary is Eric Eshleman, Vice President, Nathan Charnes, and President, Don Rea Jr. I have not met these gentlemen. I certainly haven’t seen a strong media presence from the three. This Sunday at the Quail Hollow Club (weather permitting) those watching the final round of our championship will see the officers and other PGA of America members gathered on the 18th green presenting the Wanamaker Trophy to this year’s champion. For the remainder of the year the only other chance to see this group will be the Ryder Cup at Bethpage in September. If I do happen to catch a glimpse of them don’t ask me to put the names with the faces. Most of the association’s Board members fly under the radar. However, they do fly first class.
I’ve met Ted Bishop one time in passing. It was at the PGA Championship played at Whistling Straits in 2010. He was Secretary at the time working his way up the ladder. Usually if you’re elected Secretary you’ll assume the position of Vice President and ultimately, President. It’s a six year ride with plenty of perks and with most officers one of total anonymity. But Ted Bishop was a different sort. I believe he was the best face of our association in all the years I’ve been a member.
Ted got in front of the camera. He promoted his association. People got to know who he was because he was willing to tell our story. Yes, his Board selected Tom Watson as Ryder Cup Captain. No, America didn’t win that one but I put the blame on both sides, players and Watson’s staff. My point is Ted Bishop was not invisible. He made the effort to get out there and be involved with meaningful decisions affecting the association. I saw an incredible difference how the PGA of America was placed in front of the golfing world. In contrast, has anyone seen Don Rea Jr at all?
And then a text that ruffled the thin skin of some officers and other association wannabees surfaced. Mr. Bishop accused Ian Poulter of acting like a “lil’ girl.” Oh my, the horror of such a statement.
This was one of the most overblown incidents I can recall. In an age where politicians use profane language to smear others, threaten them with criminal intent, disrupt proceedings, and literally interpret the law to suit their agenda, we have a man that used the incredibly inflammatory comment, “ lil’ girl.”
Now I don’t know Ian Poulter. Not going to go out of my way to meet him. I don’t recall ever seeing his name on top of a list of most popular tour players — PGA or LIV. Poulter quite possibly could have acted like a juvenile female. I’m sure he’s capable. For Ted Bishop to call him out, I admire that. Could he have used a better term? Certainly. But he could have said much worse, like a politician.
Recently Major League Baseball reinstated Shoeless Joe Jackson and Pete Rose for consideration to be elected to the MLB Hall of Fame. We know their backgrounds, why they were banned from baseball. I believe their actions were considerably more flagrant than that of Ted Bishop’s spat with Ian Poulter. Geez folks, let’s use a lil’ common sense here. What Ted Bishop did likely happens every day at an elementary school playground. Doesn’t necessarily make it right but it shouldn’t cost a man his legacy.
I still have only met Ted Bishop one time. Over the years I’ve met other members who know the man. They have so many more good things to say about him than bad. In my mind he’s a good man who got a raw deal. This wrong needs to be righted — NOW! What better time to make this happen than during our flagship event.
Derek, Don, Nathan and Eric, you have the power to do this. All of you are at Quail Hollow this week. Let’s move forward. Reinstatement is necessary, a written apology a must. Our association has more important issues to address rather than allow it to be waylaid by foolishness.
By the way, do you know who was the Vice President of the association when this took place? Derek Sprague. Time to take this issue full circle Derek. You’ll be a better man for it and an admirable face of the PGA of America as its leader.