Following is a recent conversation
between me and the USGA:
"To Whom It May Concern,
I've been a member and proud supporter of the USGA for 20+ years, but have decided I no longer want to be associated with your organization.
I was profoundly disturbed this morning to read the USGA statement about awarding multiple exemptions into the Open Championship to LIV members.
In doing so, you are aiding and abetting a Saudi regime which brutally murdered and dismembered an American journalist, and which continues to discriminate against women, gays and other minorities.
You have the right to do what you did, but I refuse to be a part of it.
On that basis, I request that you cancel my current membership, and remove me from any and all mailing lists.
Thank you,
Patrick Henry
Member # 25189515"
THEIR RESPONSE:
"Dear Patrick,
We understand that the recent exemption announcement has sparked strong reactions, and we appreciate your passion for the game. The U.S. Open has a long history of being the most open championship in golf, where players from all tours and backgrounds can earn their place. Our exemption process ensures that the strongest field is assembled, offering a path to those who we feel have earned it, while maintaining the democratic process our qualifying provides. We hope you can understand that the core principles of the U.S. Open have not changed, and that you'll continue to support us in preserving and growing the game we love."
BUT I GET THE LAST WORD:
"Liz
Thanks for the response, but I'm sorry. It just doesn't cut it.
It's one thing to allow LIV members to qualify under the former rules, including via qualifier events. I would never argue that if they qualified like any other golfer they should be banned.
So it isn't the fact that golfers who became rich off of Saudi blood money might be allowed to play in the OPEN that's upsetting, it's that you're singling them out for special treatment.
And that those exemptions mean other golfers who could have qualified could now lose their spot to LIV golfers.
That special treatment is what makes the USGA complicit in Saudi crimes.
No, I can't continue to support the organization, which makes me sad."