Trump fumes as Miami golf course loses PGA event to Mexico

Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump has been left fuming after a prestigious golf tournament was moved from one of his courses because the organisers could not find a sponsor.

The PGA Tour's decision to strip the Trump Doral course in Miami of the 2017 World Golf Championship and hold the tournament in Mexico prompted a furious response from the White House hopeful.

"The PGA Tour has put profit ahead of thousands of American jobs, millions of dollars in revenue for local communities and charities and the enjoyment of hundreds of thousands of fans who make the tournament an annual tradition," he said.

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Trump, who has vowed to build a wall along the US border with Mexico, added: "This decision only further embodies the very reason I am running for president of the United States."

He hoped the organisers had taken out "kidnap insurance", he said.

The Doral course has hosted PGA Tour events since 1962 and has been home to the WGC Cadillac-Championship since 2006. Trump, who owns 18 courses, purchased the resort in 2012 and put into action a $250m (£173m) renovation of its Blue Monster course, where the PGA tournament has been played.

The PGA Tour insists the move is not politically motivated but related to sponsorship issues. Commissioner Tim Finchem said the move was necessary "once it became apparent that we would not be able to secure sponsorship at levels that would sustain the event and help it grow at Trump National Doral".

He added: "From a golf standpoint, we have no issues with Donald Trump. From a political standpoint, we are neutral. The PGA Tour has never been involved or cares to be involved in presidential politics."

However, USA Today reports the PGA Tour seemingly renounced Trump last December, saying his controversial remarks about Mexicans "are inconsistent with our strong commitment to an inclusive and welcoming environment in the game of golf".

The WGC tournament is one of the biggest of the year, with players from around the world battling it out for a £6m purse.