Golf

RBC drops sponsorship of Graeme McDowell after agreeing to play in LIV Tour

Bank also cuts ties with Dustin Johnson after golfers joined Saudi-backed series

Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland. Photograph: Orlando Ramirez/Getty
Thu Jun 02 2022 - 10:02

Royal Bank of Canada cut its business relationships with Dustin Johnson and Graeme McDowell on Wednesday, one day after the PGA Tour players were among the 42 players revealed to be competing in the first event of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series.

“As a result of the decisions made by professional golfers Dustin Johnson and Graeme McDowell to play the LIV Golf Invitational Series opener, RBC is terminating its sponsorship agreement with both players,” the banking giant said in a statement to Sportico. “We wish them well in their future endeavours.”

That statement was the RBC's second in as many days in regard to the 37-year-old Johnson, who signed a multiyear sponsorship deal with the company in February 2018.

“RBC is a proud partner of the PGA Tour. Our partnership is anchored with two world-class golf tournaments — the RBC Heritage and the RBC Canadian Open,” RBC’s statement read on Tuesday. “The PGA Tour has been clear about its intentions in accordance with its tournament regulations should a golfer choose to play in a tournament outside the tour, including the LIV Golf Invitational Series.

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“We were recently made aware that Dustin Johnson made the decision to play the LIV Golf Invitational Series opener. DJ has been a valued RBC team member since 2018. While we are extremely disappointed in his decision, we wish him well.”

The 42-year-old McDowell said the consequences of joining the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series are “concerning” and “scary” but he hopes that the breakaway circuit’s plan works out.

“I believe it is not good for the game and I really feel what the guys at LIV have done is they’ve tried to create a schedule, which especially fits around the PGA Tour.”

“It (the series) is designed to coexist with the other tours in the world and let’s just hope that it all works out,” McDowell added.

“The unknowns are a little scary, but I am sure it’s weighed into the decision of every player that’s decided to take the leap. And we just hope that the right decision will be made.”

The PGA Tour did not grant its members a release to play in the event, which will be contested June 9-11, opposite the Canadian Open. Johnson — who won the Canadian Open in 2018 — and other members could face punishment for choosing the LIV Golf event without the tour’s permission.

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