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Ted Bishop’s 10-Year Journey: Why It’s Time for His PGA Reinstatement

Ted Bishop’s 10-Year Journey: Why It’s Time for His PGA Reinstatement

Ted Bishop has booked his first trip in a decade to the PGA of America’s annual meeting, eager to witness Crystal Morse, head professional at The Legends Golf Club in Franklin, Indiana, receive the prestigious PGA’s Player Development Award. Bishop, the 38th president of the association of over 30,000 golf club professionals, runs the same course where Morse works, and she also co-coaches the Franklin Community boys and girls golf teams alongside him.

The timing of this moment holds a certain irony. Just weeks after the 10-year anniversary of Bishop’s impeachment as PGA president for making sexist comments on social media, his female protégé is being honored with a national award on November 5 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. As if that weren’t enough, Bishop himself is scheduled to receive the Sam Snead Award from the Metropolitan Section of the PGA on November 14, recognizing his “exceptional contributions to the Met section and the broader golf community.”

“I was humbled beyond words when the Met PGA informed me of this great honor,” Bishop shared in a release. Speaking to Golfweek, he added, “This is one of the greatest honors ever bestowed upon me.”

A decade ago, however, Bishop was humbled in a far different way. Less than a month before his term as PGA president was set to end, he was ousted for controversial comments. On October 23, 2014, in an attempt to defend golf icons Nick Faldo and Tom Watson from criticism in Ian Poulter’s autobiography, Bishop posted on Twitter: “Faldo’s record stands by itself. Six majors and all-time RC points. Yours vs His? Lil Girl.” On Facebook, he elaborated, comparing Poulter to “a little schoolgirl squealing during recess.”

His posts, deemed sexist, offended a large portion of the golf community. Despite quickly deleting them, the damage was done, and Bishop was subsequently removed from office. The PGA’s board voted to impeach him after he refused to resign, stripping him of the privileges typically afforded to past presidents. Bishop’s title as an A-5 member, his right to attend major PGA events, and honorary roles traditionally given to past leaders were all revoked.

The severity of his punishment seemed disproportionate to some, particularly given Bishop’s long-standing advocacy for women’s golf. At The Legends Golf Club, he hosted nearly every significant women’s golf championship in Indiana and helped create the Indiana Women’s Open. His daughters, Ashley and Ambry, followed his path, with Ashley working at the club and Ambry coaching women’s golf at St. John’s University.

One of Bishop’s supporters likened his punishment to receiving “the death penalty for shoplifting.” Others, including journalist Ken Willis, criticized the PGA for an “overreaction” that ultimately affected only Bishop.

Perhaps the most personal betrayal Bishop felt came from then-PGA CEO Pete Bevacqua, with whom he had formed a strong working relationship. While Dottie Pepper, an independent PGA board director, abstained from the impeachment vote, the rest of the board, including Bevacqua, approved his removal.

Despite these setbacks, Bishop didn’t retreat from the game. He continued working as general manager and director of golf at The Legends Golf Club, taking on the role of superintendent and even answering phones. He also focused on coaching the Franklin Grizzly Cubs’ high school golf teams, with his wife Cindy leading them to several championships in previous years. Bishop proudly highlights the team’s recent success, including regional wins and a fifth-place finish in the state.

Bishop’s sense of redemption came in 2019 when he returned to the PGA’s headquarters to address the board, seeking forgiveness and reinstatement. Although his appeal was denied, Bishop said the experience provided a sense of closure.

The PGA’s refusal to reinstate him continues to raise questions, especially in light of its more lenient treatment of Paul Levy, a former PGA president who was arrested for DUI while in office. Unlike Bishop, Levy was allowed to finish his term and retain his privileges as a past president.

Today, Bishop’s contributions to the golf community, particularly at the local level, are undeniable. His recognition by the Met PGA with the Sam Snead Award signifies that for many in the golfing world, his legacy extends far beyond a single social media misstep. As he continues to mentor young golfers and contribute to his local section, Bishop has proven that his passion for the game endures, and his impact remains strong.

“He broke down and was so emotional when he hung up the phone,” recalled his daughter Ashely after learning about the Sam Snead Award. A decade after his impeachment, Bishop’s legacy is a reminder that redemption in golf, as in life, comes with perseverance and perspective.

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