Michael Jordan Lost $1m Golf Membership After Breaking Strict Rule
NBA legend Michael Jordan had his $1m membership at a prestigious golf club revoked after he broke one strict rule.
On Friday, the best golf players from both the USA and Europe will tee off at the Bethpage Black Golf Course in Long Island, New York for the 2025 Ryder Cup.
With millions of fans tuning in to watch the competition live, some of the most notable fans of golf will no doubt be in attendance or keeping an eye on how their side are doing.
US President Donald Trump is expected to attend the first day of the competition, but he's not the only notable American expected to be watching as NBA legend Jordan will certainly be tuning in.
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The basketball icon has been outspoken about his love for golf, but that didn't stop him from breaking a strict rule at one of the top clubs in America.
Although Jordan will almost certainly be supporting Team USA, who he worked alongside during the 2012 Ryder Cup, he will likely have a slight soft sport for their European rivals thank to his relationship with team captain Luke Donald.
In the early 2000s when Donald was finishing his collegiate career at Northwestern, the Englishman played golf with Jordan in Chicago, and the pair remain close friends.
But there's one club that Jordan won't be able to take Donald to for a round of golf is the the La Gorce Country Club in Miami,.
In 2012, Jordan decided to play a round at the prestigious course, but as he walked out he failed to check club rules regarding the acceptable dress code while playing.
According to the L.A. Times, the Chicago Bulls legend showed up to the course wearing a pair of cargo shorts, which were strictly forbidden, and went on to play 11 holes of the 18 hole course before club staff took him aside to have a word.
Jordan was immediately asked to return to the clubhouse and change into something more appropriate, but after the the six-time NBA champion refused to do so, he was asked to leave the course and later handed a ban from the club.
Reacting to the incident, Jordan's rep released the following statement: "Michael Jordan did wear cargo pants. He had been there many times before and had worn cargo pants previously, and had never been made aware that he was violating any dress code.
"This time, he was made aware of the violation on the 12th hole, and at that point he did refuse to interrupt his game, and return to the clubhouse and change.
"We were not aware that he is not allowed to return to La Gorce. I guess it's their loss - as MJ is a great golfer, and a great guest."
Luke Donald speaks about his relationship with Michael Jordan
Ahead of the first tee off on Friday, Donald spoke with the media and opened up about his relationship with the NBA star and how it has impacted his golfing career.
“I’ve known Michael for a long time,” Donald said on Tuesday.
“I got to play some golf with him even at the end of my college career, so back in the early 2000s, with being in Chicago. We had some mutual friends.
“He loved to play golf with good players and I was lucky enough to be put into the group and we formed a friendship. We live very close to each other in Florida now and remain good friends.”
Although Jordan hasn't specifically been involved with Team Europe, Donald revealed that his relationship with the basketball great has certainly helped him compete at the highest level.
“He’s not going to specifically give me advice this time around, but certainly my friendship over the years I’ve picked up many things." he added.
"It’s nice to have someone that is a legend of their sport, the greatest ever, quite arguably, to sit down occasionally and pick their brains.”
Topics: Michael Jordan, Golf, NBA, Ryder Cup, Donald Trump
Ben McCrum