PGA chief Bishop sacked for calling Ian Poulter a ‘Lil Girl’

Ted Bishop has been removed from his post as the president of PGA of America after branding Ian Poulter a ‘Lil Girl’ on Twitter and Facebook.

Bishop targeted Poulter in a series of outbursts last week in posts that have since been deleted.

Bishop, the 38th PGA president, was reacting to the English Ryder Cup star making critical remarks in his recently-released autobiography about Tom Watson and Nick Faldo’s Ryder Cup captaincy.

Poulter labelled the comments ‘pretty shocking and disappointing’, and on Friday the PGA of America announced it had voted to relieve Bishop of his duties.

A statement read: “The PGA of America board of directors voted today to remove Ted Bishop from office for insensitive gender-based statements posted yesterday on social media. 

“The board deemed the remarks to be inconsistent with the policies of the PGA.”

PGA chief executive Pete Bevacqu said: “The PGA of America understands the enormous responsibility it has to lead this great game and to enrich lives in our society through golf.

“We must demand of ourselves that we make golf both welcoming and inclusive to all who want to experience it, and everyone at the PGA of America must lead by example.’

Bishop had wrote on Twitter: “@IanJamesPoulter -Faldo’s record stands by itself. Six majors and all-time RC points. Yours vs. His? Lil Girl.” 

Bishop then expanded his point on Facebook, saying: ‘Used to be athletes who had lesser records or accomplishments in a sport never criticised the icons.

‘Tom Watson (8 majors and a 10-3-1 Ryder Cup record) and Nick Faldo (6 majors and all-time Ryder Cup points leader) get bashed by Ian James Poulter. Really? Sounds like a little school girl squealing during recess. C’MON MAN!’

Poulter, hit back stating: “Is being called a ‘lil girl’ meant to be derogatory or a put down?”

“That’s pretty shocking and disappointing, especially coming from the leader of the PGA of America. No further comment.”

Vice-president Derek Sprague has been appointed interim president until November 22, when there will be an election.