Back in 2012, when the U.S. Golf Association selected President Donald Trump’s New Jersey golf course to host the 2017 Women’s U.S. Open, it wasn’t a hugely controversial pick. Sure, Trump had been dabbling in birtherism at that point, but he had yet to emerge as a viable candidate for the presidency and was mostly just a buffoonish reality star with a beautiful course that was, conveniently, not too far from New York City. For the most part, the pick flew under the radar.
But, as Trump’s political fortunes rose, so did the call for the USGA to move the event away from Trump National Golf Course in Bedminster. The USGA didn’t heed those calls, and this week, Trump’s property will host the crown jewel event of women’s golf. However, golf’s governing body in America may have made that decision under duress.
USGA executive director Mike Davis told the governing body’s executive committee that Trump had threatened to sue the USGA if they moved the tournament, according to a story by USA Today’s Christine Brennan. In the story, Brennan says her anonymous source was recounting a conference call from two years prior, after Trump had declared himself a candidate. Brennan writes:
“Davis, who told the group he and other USGA officials had met with Trump, told the executive committee, ‘We can’t get out of this. He’s going to sue us,’ according to the person.”
Brennan’s source later added that:
“‘More than anything, it was very pre-emptive, before the storm if he did get elected president,’ the person said. ‘We were starting to get some pressure and so it was brought up and he said he would sue us if we moved it.’”
For those at the USGA who tried to get ahead of this problem two years ago, their worst fears have been confirmed. They now have to hold their most important women’s event at a place owned and operated by a misogynyst. However, with the fear of litigation, they kept silent about any notion of moving and resisted any calls for them to reconsider.
The most prominent appeal came two weeks before last year’s election, when three Democratic senators sent a letter to the USGA requesting they move the 2017 championship out of Trump National Golf Club Bedminster. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Edward Markey of Massachusetts, and Bob Casey of Pennsylvania wrote in the wake of the Access Hollywood tape where Trump bragged about being able to sexually assault women with impunity that the then-candidate had shown a “pattern of degrading and dehumanizing women.” Because of that, a Trump-owned course was no place to hold the Women’s U.S. Open.
Yet the threat of a lawsuit worked, and now the best female golfers in the world will gather this week to compete at Trump National. The president is expected to be at his course this weekend for the tournament, but, really, how would that be different than any other weekend for him.
Wiman hiding her face behind a bunch of cashCanva
A mansion and its reflection in the swimming poolCanva
Salzburg at nightCanva
Fancy homeCanva
Happy volunteersCanva
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.