Donald Trump greets LPGA star Suzann Pettersen of Norway at his club in West Palm Beach, Florida

It has created a market for itself, and it has been exciting to watch the outstanding golfers that have emerged from the women’s game. A crucial aspect of its development has been the LPGA, which has grown and enhanced women’s golf significantly.

I’ve followed the greats since day one and have supported their efforts. I hosted the LPGA at Trump International Golf Club in Palm Beach for several years and I loved the excitement it generated. It’s a wonderful thing for both the golfers and the public. There is an abundance of brilliant women golfers and the public deserves to see them play. Suzann Pettersen, Karrie Webb, Michelle Wie and Paula Creamer, for example, are incredible players and they appear often on the Tour. As for the future, I would hope the LPGA would thrive—as it should. It’s a well-established and well-run organization and I can only see it getting bigger and better. With more sponsors and corporate events happening every year—hopefully!—it’s bound to happen. Having Michael Whan at the helm is a wonderful situation for everyone. He will do a fantastic job and will lead the LPGA to greater heights, greener pastures and bigger accomplishments.

Internationally, women’s golf has become an important sport with a large, global audience. Considering golf has been accepted into the Olympics, I expect that growth will only continue—and in a very significant way.

Trump National

In addition, I think that golf for women is important on the non-pro level. Just as it’s a great venue for business for men, it works the same way for women. I’ve done some terrific business deals on the golf course, and it’s also an excellent way to see and assess the character of the person you are playing with. Golf can bring out the best and the worst in people, and I’ve always believed it’s a brain game. It has a transforming power, and is a great way to improve your business skills, to learn how to maneuver. It can even be equated with learning how to negotiate, which is an art in itself. I made a great deal of money on the golf course even before I started developing golf courses as a business.

Professional women golfers deserve to have the best venues and comprehensive coverage, both nationally and internationally. Their contribution to the sport of golf is and will continue to be significant—and watching them play is a pleasure that should be made available to all.