Editor’s note: This story has been updated. Please see below original text.
PGA President Ted Bishop, slammed on these pages for his colossal boo-boo in choosing ancient, rigid, old-fashioned Tom Watson as captain of the (losing) American team in the Ryder Cup golf matches, has come up with the only defense he could think of to respond: Insult Ian Poulter, the great, fiery, brilliant, flamboyant, pink-wearing, gel-applying clothes-designing British golfer.
Bishop insulted girls as well, calling Poulter a “lil girl” on social media not once, but twice.
In his book, “No Limits: My Autobiography,” released just this week, Poulter made the mistake of accurately evaluating and denigrating Watson’s bumbling captaincy. While he was on a roll, Poulter generated more rage by suggesting that before calling Sergio Garcia “useless,” Nick Faldo should look in the mirror. The sainted “Sir” Nick Faldo should consider that the last time Europe lost a Ryder Cup match, (the former “Foldo-“) Faldo was captain.
Bishop thinks we should worship icons like eight-time major winner Watson and six-time major winner Faldo.
I agree with Bishop. We should worship them — but know that even great playing ability does not translate to great leadership and coaching.
UPDATE, Oct. 27, 9:36 a.m.: Ted Bishop’s social-media snafu has resulted in his being ousted as president of the PGA.
James Baxter, an attorney and graduate of Yale University and Harvard Law School, is Chairman and General Counsel of New York Global Group. NYGG is a private equity investor and corporate advisor engaged in investments and acquisitions globally. The advisory focus for Western clients is on government relations and crisis management in China. For Chinese clients, diversification in the global economy is a major theme. Mr. Baxter is a member of the Corporate Counsel and has acted as an independent arbitrator for FINRA for more than 17 years.
