The Professional Golfers' Association of America will move its annual Grand Slam of Golf tournament from a Los Angeles-area golf course owned by New York businessman and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. The tournament, which features the winners of the four major championships, was scheduled to be held at the Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes this October. According to a release from the Trump organization, Trump and the PGA of America "mutually agreed that it is in everyone's best interest" not to hold the tournament at the course.

"Due to the controversy surrounding statements made by Mr. Trump having to do with illegal immigrants pouring into the United States from Mexico and other parts of the world, Mr. Trump does not want his friends at the PGA of America to suffer any consequences or backlash with respect to the Grand Slam of Golf," reads the statement.

Trump's comments, which criticized illegal immigrants from Mexico as "bring drugs," "bringing crime," and being "rapists," have touched off a firestorm. Many of Trump's corporate partners have severed ties with the real-estate mogul, including NBC (whose Apprentice series Trump hosted), Macy's (which carried Trump-branded merchandise), and NASCAR. The sports cable network ESPN has also moved its celebrity golf tournament from the Trump National Golf Club.

Trump has continued to stand by his comments, which he characterizes as "defending the people of the United States."