RBC terminates sponsorship relationships with Dustin Johnson, Graeme McDowell amid their participation in Saudi-backed golf tournament chain
COLUMBUS, Ohio – RBC has terminated its relationship with Dustin Johnson and Graeme McDowell after PGA Tour players were brought onto the course for the first LIV Golf Invitational Series event.
In a statement to ESPN, a spokesperson for RBC (Royal Bank of Canada) wrote: “Due to the decision by professional golfers Dustin Johnson and Graeme McDowell to play the opening game of the LIV Golf Invitational Series, RBC will be terminated. sponsorship deal with both players. We wish them well in their future endeavors.”
Johnson, the two-time major champion, was one of the biggest surprises of all 42 players made their debuts for the opening match of LIV, scheduled for June 9-11 at the Centurion Club outside London. It coincides with the RBC Canadian Open in Ontario, which will take place June 9-12. The bank also sponsored the RBC Heritage in Hilton Head, South Carolina, in mid-April.
RBC signed a multi-year sponsorship deal for Johnson in February 2018, when he was the world No. He is currently 13th in the Official World Golf Ranking, making him the highest ranked player in the LIV course.
A spokesperson for TaylorMade, which has a multi-year contract with Johnson to play football and their club, declined to comment when contacted by ESPN.
UPS previously ended its relationship with Lee Westwoodwho also plans to compete in London.
Johnson, a 24-time PGA Tour champion that includes wins at the 2016 US Open and 2020 Masters, has previously said he’s “fully committed” to staying on the Tour and that he’s “grateful for the opportunity.” playing in the best league in the world.”
Johnson’s representative, David Winkle, released a statement on Tuesday.
“Dustin has been pondering the opportunity for the past few years,” Winkle wrote. “In the end, he decided to pursue it was in the best interest of himself and his family. Dustin has never had a problem with the PGA Tour and is grateful for all it has given him, but in the end, felt this was too tempting to pass up.”
McDowell, 42, has four wins on the PGA Tour, including the 2010 US Open.
