Tom Watson declines PGA of America Hall of Fame invite over Bishop handling
Thanks, but no thanks.
Tom Watson has reportedly declined an invitation to become a member of the PGA of America Hall of Fame in light of how it handled the dismissal of former president Ted Bishop. Golf World reports the invitation had been extended to the five-time British Open winner, but Watson is upset over Bishop's late-term ouster after he made remarks on social media following the U.S. loss in the 2014 Ryder Cup, calling Ian Poulter a "lil' girl." When he was ousted as the 38th president in organization history, Bishop had just three weeks remaining on his two-year term as president
It was Bishop who surprisingly extended the captaincy for the 2014 matches to Watson, who remains the last American captain to win the biennial matches in Europe back in 1993.
“While I was very flattered by PGA President (Derek) Sprague’s honoring me to be inducted into PGA Hall of Fame, I couldn’t accept in good conscience because of how the PGA mishandled the firing of my friend and immediate past president of the PGA, Ted Bishop," Watson told Golf World.
Bishop may well have shared what he did because the Americans lost the Ryder Cup for the third consecutive time in 2014, by a 16.5-11.5 count at Gleneagles in Scotland. After the matches, Watson was soundly criticized for how he managed the players and set lineups for the 12-player team. Phil Mickelson was most vocal in his displeasure with Watson's style, including, as Mickelson said, not involving the players in any playing decisions.
The 66-year-old Watson is an eight-time major winner who competed in his final British Open in July at St. Andrews.
Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.
