RBC has ended its relationship with former World No.1 Dustin Johnson and Graeme McDowell after the duo were named in the field for the opening LIV Golf Invitational tournament at the Centurion Club.
In a statement an RBC spokesperson wrote: “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. We wish them well in their future endeavours.”
Despite the PGA Tour and DP World Tour significantly increasing their prize-funds over recent years, which includes first prize cheques of $3 million plus for the PLAYERS Championship and DP World Tour Championship, a number of players have decided to play in the first LIV Golf Invitational, including Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia, who have both earned more than $40 million in career earnings.
The PGA Tour confirmed last month they wouldn’t grant its members a release to play in the event, which will be played opposite to the Canadian Open, where Johnson is a former champion. It was later reported by the Telegraph that the DP World Tour had followed suit in banning players from competing, signalling the strength of the “strategic alliance” signed by both Tours in 2020.
It remains to be seen what punishment will be handed out to players who compete in the Greg Norman-backed series without the Tour permission.
