COLUMBUS, Ohio – RBC has ended its relationship with Dustin Johnson and Graeme McDowell after PGA Tour players entered the field for the first event of the LIV Golf Invitational Series.
A spokesman for RBC (Royal Bank of Canada) wrote in a statement to ESPN: “As a result of the decisions made by professional golfers Dustin Johnson and Graeme McDowell to play the opening of the LIV Golf Invitational Series, RBC is “We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.”
Johnson, a two-time major champion, was one of the biggest surprises among the 42 players released for the first game of the LIV, which is scheduled for June 9-11 at the Centurion Club outside London. It coincides with the RBC Canadian Open in Ontario, which will be played June 9-12. The bank also sponsors RBC Heritage in Hilton Head, South Carolina, in mid-April.
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RBC signed Johnson with a multi-year sponsorship deal in February 2018, when he was the world’s No. 1 player. He is currently ranked 13th in the Official World Golf Rankings, making him the highest ranked player on the LIV course.
A TaylorMade spokesman, who has a several-year deal with Johnson to play for his balls and clubs, declined to comment when contacted by ESPN.
UPS ended his relationship with Lee Westwood earlier, who also plans to compete in London.
Johnson’s 24 PGA Tour victories include wins at the 2016 U.S. Open and the 2020 Masters, he had previously said he was “fully committed” to staying on the Tour and was “grateful for the opportunity to play the best tour in the world “. . “
Johnson’s agent, David Winkle, issued a statement Tuesday.
“Dustin has been contemplating the opportunity from time to time for the past two years,” Winkle wrote. “Finally, he decided it was in his best interest for him and his family to pursue him. Dustin has never had a problem with the PGA Tour and is grateful for everything he has given him, but in the end, he felt that this was too convincing to pass up. “
McDowell, 42, has four PGA Tour victories, including the 2010 U.S. Open.