Bishop used Twitter and Facebook to respond to critical remarks made by Poulter about former Ryder Cup captains, Sir Nick Faldo of England and Tom Watson of the United States, and referred to him as a "little girl".

Writing in his new autobiography "No Limits", Poulter described Watson's captaincy of the US team at last month's Ryder Cup as "astonishing" and said Faldo, captain of the last European team to suffer defeat in 2008, had lost a lot of respect from players after describing Spain's Sergio Garcia as "useless" during a television commentary on this year's event. 

Bishop, who had just one month left on his two-year term as PGA President, tweeted to Poulter: "Faldo's record stands by itself.

"Six majors and all-time RC (Ryder Cup) points.

"Yours vs. His?

"Lil Girl."

Ian Poulter was a member of the successful European team at this year's Ryder Cup
©Getty Images



On Facebook, he said: "Tom Watson (8 majors and a 10-3-1 Ryder Cup record) and Nick Faldo (6 majors and all-time Ryder Cup points leader) get bashed by Ian James Poulter.

"Really?

"Sounds like a little school girl squealing during recess.

"C'MON MAN!"

Bishop, whose statements were deemed to be inconsistent with the policies of the PGA, said that he "could have selected some different ways" to express his opinion.

"The PGA of America understands the enormous responsibility it has to lead this great game and to enrich lives in our society through golf," said PGA of America chief executive Pete Bevacqua in a statement.

"We must demand of ourselves that we make golf both welcoming and inclusive to all who want to experience it, and everyone at the PGA of America must lead by example."

PGA of America vice-president Derek Sprague has been appointed as interim President until November 22, when the election of new national officers is due to take place at the PGA's 98th annual meeting.

"The members and apprentices of the PGA of America must uphold the highest standards and values of the profession, as well as the manner in which we conduct ourselves at all times," said Sprague

"We apologise to any individual or group that felt diminished, in any way, by this unacceptable incident."

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