Trump's golf empire gets hit as bigwigs keep safe distance

New York

DONALD TRUMP'S position as one of the most powerful people in the golf industry is taking a hit.

Reacting to Mr Trump's comment that Mexican immigrants were rapists, the PGA of America won't hold October's Grand Slam of Golf at Trump National in Los Angeles, one of his 17 courses. The LPGA suggested it would have moved the Women's British Open, which begins on July 30, from Trump Turnberry Resort in Scotland if it had more time. And singer Ricky Martin cancelled his annual foundation outing at a Trump-licensed course in Puerto Rico, which filed for bankruptcy protection Monday after long-time problems.

Mr Trump, an avid golfer who is seeking the Republican presidential nomination, also faces the risk that weekend golfers from Wall Street executives to CEOs may shy away from playing at…