|
|
 |
The Chairman’s Page
An interview with Donald Trump
By Edward F. Pazdur, Chairman
Donald J. Trump,
President & CEO
The Trump Organization |
|
When it comes to golf, Donald Trump is no apprentice. With four golf clubs in the USA, Donald is expanding into Scotland and South America.
Donald takes his golf seriously. He carries a registered 2 handicap at Winged Foot Golf Club in New York and is a two-time club champion at Trump International in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Trump National in Westchester, New York.
Los Angeles, California: This time, it was easier to get some of Donald's time for an interview. The secret was a promise to confine it to golf. It works every time. Especially now, when he is-inadvertently or not-building a global golf empire.
He was considerate enough to ask if my son, Executive Golfer Publisher Mark Pazdur, and I would meet with him at his very high-end public club-Trump National Golf Club, Los Angeles. The idea was to save us the expense of flying from California to New York.
We agreed, and met on a Sunday just as the club's famous gourmet brunch was winding down a packed house. If I hadn't know better, I would have sworn we were at a sumptuous Waldorf-Astoria Sunday brunch in Manhattan. The menu was lavish and bon vivant.
He suggested Mark and I first enjoy a King's brunch and he would join us later for the interview. I knew from past experience that meeting Donald in a public locale would not be a meeting, it would be an event! We would be instantly engulfed with well-meaning people wanting to shake his hand or to get an autograph. We opted for privacy and settled in the office of General Manager Mike van der Goes. As promised, we talked golf.
Donald's public club rival in California is fabled Pebble Beach Golf Links. Both clubs are required by law to be public because of oceanfront locations. However, Pebble Beach is no match for Donald's overall ambience, clubhouse furnishings, and personal service.
Donald and Melania clowning at home and (right) Donald and Melania proudly pose with their son, Barron William Trump. |
 |
The Sunday greens fee at Pebble Beach is $450 with a golf cart; and you can reserve a room and tee time 18 months in advance by phoning (800) 654-9300; or phone (831) 625-8518 for only a tee time reservation.
Donald's Sunday greens fee, with a commemorative gift pouch, practice balls, and a GPS equipped golf cart at $300 is a bargain. Sunday twilight rates and weekday rates are $195. The club is oceanfront in ritzy Rancho Palos Verdes. For tee times, corporate meetings, and private parties phone (310) 265-5000.
| |
The 17th at Trump International
Golf Club, Los Angeles |
Let's Set The Record Straight
"I think we need to get the record straight about your association with the wobbly U.S. Pro Golf Tour (USPGT). There seems to be a lot of hearsay."
"What are they saying?" asked Donald.
"That you withdrew your connection because you don't trust them anymore; that USPGT founder Tom Kidd allegedly failed to pay players; that he created a crisis by walking out on the USPGT in November of last year; that players are resigning and asking for $6,000 refunds; and, that you agreed to a five-year deal as a title sponsor for four Trump majors to be hosted by four of your U.S. mainland courses with millions of dollars in purses. Doesn't sound like a deal you would make."
Unruffled and mildly annoyed, Donald said, "We did one tournament with them last year on Canouan Island called the Trump Million Dollar Challenge. The tournament was very successful, won by a fine Australian player, and he got his money. I made sure the money was in the bank before I let them use my name."
The 13th at Trump National, Westchester, New York. |
|
A Television Ratings Machine
"I didn't put any money into it, not ten cents. They paid the million dollars. My name made the tournament very successful. I'm a television ratings machine that gets good ratings.
"What happened is I checked the company and wasn't satisfied. I had one good experience with them and chose not to go any further. Unless they were willing and able to guarantee me they could and would put up all of the money, I was not interested.
"So, I terminated any future involvement with them," said Donald.
"They feel you have not permanently shut them out," I suggested. "Is there any way you would reconsider your current position?"
"Yes," said Donald, "if they can show me they have the money to pull it off, I would consider it. Otherwise, I wouldn't do it. I don't put up any money. We had a good experience with one tournament at my place on Canouan Island and I was happy with it.
"But, I didn't choose to go forward with anymore events because I want them to first show me there will be no problems," exclaimed Donald.
"Actually, Donald, I think Tom Kidd hoped to get you interested in sponsoring a mini-tour titled the Trump Tour."
"I know," he said. "I think there is room for another tour. I actually believe that."
"Are you really interested in developing a tour of...."
"No," snapped Donald.
"You said you thought there was room for another tour," I replied.
Donald on the 13th green at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. |
|
"No. I have no interest in developing another tour. I have great respect for Tim Finchem," said Donald. "I have great respect for Ty Votaw. I admire these two men in particular. They do an amazing job running the PGA Tour. There could be room for another tour in a small capacity, but I have no interest because I like going first class."
What You Won't Believe About Carolyn Bivens
"Since we're grading professional tour managers, what do you think of Carol Bivens at the helm of the LPGA?" I asked.
"This is a no-brainer. I think Carolyn is highly underrated. She's working very hard. Her aggressiveness has unnerved some people, but being aggressive isn't so bad."
"You won't believe what I'm about to tell you about her. It shows what great integrity and character she has."
Donald's curiosity peaked. "Like what?"
"Can you believe Carolyn has not yet signed her contract?"
"With whom?"
"With the LPGA."
"Her own contract? You mean an extension?"
"Yes, her own contract. Not an extension."
"Why?"
"I think its because she wants to first prove her contribution and value to the LPGA. You'll love her answer. She said: 'A prescription without diagnosis is malpractice.' Isn't that great?"
"Yes," said Donald. "She is very underrated and very talented. I had the pleasure of working with her during the LPGA's ADT championship at my course in Palm Beach, Florida. She may have created some enemies, but she's what the LPGA needs right now."
 |
“LPGA Commissioner Carolyn Bivens is very talented and very underrated. She’s doing a great job.” — Donald Trump
|
A Trump/Nicklaus Project In Brazil
| |
Donald with Mark Pazdur in the pro shop at Trump International, LA. |
In January of 2005, Donald announced the formation of a new company: Trump Golf Management, LLC-managed by Ashley Cooper. Donald's mandate: set the standard for world-class golf experiences.
He currently owns 100 percent of four distinguished clubs in the continental USA and dismissed my suggestion that he harbored a yen to build an international golf empire. "Let me explain," he said. "I don't want to be a huge golf course company. When I put my name on a golf course, you can be sure I got the best architects and the best land. I spend a lot of money and I build the best product. My name stands for high quality."
"Tell me about Villa Trump, your Brazilian venture with Jack Nicklaus."
"That a good question, Ed. How did you find out about it?"
"I have a Trump trick or two of my own," I joked.
He broke into a big smile, shook his head lightly and said: "Villa Trump is just in the process of getting its final approvals and we're now in serious negotiations with the land owners. We have signed a contract, and over a period of the next three months, we'll know whether or not I get involved. If we build it, it will be named Trump International Golf Club."
"Is Jack a financial partner?"
"No. Jack is the designer of the course."
"Did you know there are only about 25,000 golfers in all of Brazil?"
The 9th hole, Trump International Golf Club, West Palm Beach, Florida. |
|
"Yes, but according to the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, golf tourism there is growing four times faster than tourism based on sun and beaches. Our Trump International Golf Club will improve on that as well," said Donald.
"My understanding is you have a management contract and no cash investment in Trump International Golf Club on the island of Canouan in the Grenadines. Would you clear that up for the public record?"
"Well, Canouan is a resort. It's the only one in which I have a partnership interest. I totally own all of my other properties. No partners."
"One last question, Donald. I know it's close to your heart. How is the project at Menie Estate, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, coming along?"
That did perk him up a bit. "I'm going to build a course," enthused Donald, "that's better than any course ever built in Scotland. In fact, it will be better than any in the world. Now that sounds like a a big statement, but as you well know, Royal Aberdeen has a reputation for having the best nine holes anywhere."
 |
“I’m in Aberdeen and those spectacular dunes are mine. They are the biggest dunes anywhere. ” – Donald Trump
|
Donald Makes The Deal of His Life
"I'm in Aberdeen and those spectacular dunes are mine. They are the biggest, largest dunes anywhere and I own four and a half miles of them along the ocean.
"I have the biggest dunes in the world, over 100 feet high, and the most incredible piece of land you've ever seen."
"You actually own it now?"
"I own 100 percent," vaunted Donald. "I'm in for zoning approval now."
I explained I would be in Scotland within the next few weeks to look over three other American projects (Lyle Anderson, Herb Kohler, and Tim Blixseth) and asked his permission to romp on his dunes in Aberdeen.
He turns to Mark, smiles and says: "Look at your dad. He doesn't stop. He's anxious to get to Scotland and climb those 100-foot dunes.
"Tell you what, Ed," joshed Donald. "Let me know when you're going over there and I'll have a guy take you on a personal tour."
"Donald," I teased, "you have just made the deal of your life."
Donald Reveals What Drives Him
"OK, Ed," laughed Donald, getting up from his armchair. "I'm now going to put you and Mark into a golf cart and personally take you for a ride around this beautiful golf course."
"First, I've got a question for you," added Mark.
Donald slumped back into his armchair, took off his golf cap and said: "OK, two more questions, then I'm taking you out and show you a couple of things. What do you want to know?"
"What drives you? Fame or fortune?" asked Mark.
"Uh, well," pondered Donald, "It's neither fame nor fortune. It's enjoyment. I like what I do. Look, who's more famous than me? I mean, I've got the hottest show on television, but it doesn't drive me. I enjoy sitting down with your father, and I enjoy taking photos with people by the hundreds as they storm the place," he declared.
And he should have added that in a departure from his real estate acquisitions, Donald has become a partner with NBC-TV in the ownership and broadcast rights for two of the largest beauty competitions in the world: the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants. He owns Trump Model Management, one of the leading modeling agencies in New York City, and he has signed to continue his role in The Apprentice.
 |
Donald’s wife Melania, and son Barron, admire Donald’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during the ceremony.
 |
Hollywood Walk Of Fame
Hollywood paid tribute to Donald's growing celebrity status, on January 16, by honoring him with his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard in front of Hollywood and Highland and the Kodak Theatre.
In attendance were his wife, Melania, and their baby son, Barron William Trump; guest speakers Tonight Show's Jay Leno, television producer Mark Burnett, and Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Leron Gubler; along with the media, and a throng of fans.
At this point in time, golf makes up only about two percent of Donald's net worth. Most importantly, Donald is perhaps considered the top real estate developer anywhere in the world.
You may visit: trumpnational.com. To contact Edward Pazdur, write Executive Golfer, 2171 Campus Dr., Suite 330, Irvine, California 92612; email: edward@executivegolfermagazine.com.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
 
When it comes to golf, Donald Trump is no apprentice. He takes his golf
seriously... more
>> |
|
| |
|
 
He’s upbeat and not panicking about theslumping housing market. He sees it as an opportunity, not a setback... more
>> |
|
| |
|
 
TaylorMade’s president and CEO talks about the company’s growth and the future of the golf market... more >> |
|
| |
|
 
His marriage and his new course-design program are bringing a special glow to a one-of-a-kind American Golfer...
more
>> |
|
|
|
 
Ken Venturi shares some undisclosed personal and unpublished private events. Here’s a scoop about... more
>> |
|
|
|
 
How Ping’s chairman &
CEO boldly restructured the management team and grew the company to new prominence... more
>> |
|
|
|
 
Stay the course, Carolyn.The LPGA needs your moxie and unwavering will to survive. Ignore the critics, build mighty partners ... more>> |
|
| |
|
 
Manougian presides over golf’s 24/7 showcase medium, the Golf Channel, a bold concept that has only begun to exploit golf’s TV potential....more
>> |
|
| |
|
