Mastercard pauses deals with 2 LIV Tour golfers
Ian Poulter and Graeme McDowell are the latest players on the LIV tour to have sponsors back away from them as…
Mastercard has paused its endorsement deals with LIV golf tour members Ian Poulter and Graeme McDowell, the company told ESPN.
Poulter has had a contract with the global company since 2009 and McDowell has had one since 2011, but because of their association with the controversial tour and suspension from the PGA Tour, Mastercard has put those contracts on pause.
“We have paused the activation of our relationship with Ian and Graeme, recognizing the uncertainties around their standing with the PGA Tour,” said Mastercard vice president of communications Seth Eisen.
Mastercard did not comment on the duration of the pause, which was first reported by Sports Business Journal, or if it will be a permanent decision, but the company is the latest to pull the plug on endorsement deals with players who have joined the Saudi-backed golf tour.
Rocket Mortgage recently announced it was suspending its relationship with Bryson DeChambeau, RBC cut ties with Dustin Johnson and McDowell, and Phil Mickelson lost sponsorships from WorkDay, KPMG and Amstel.
Some companies have taken a hard stance on the tour, while others have had no comment or made no decision on their sponsorships with current players. Michelob Ultra and Nike have maintained their contracts with LIV player Brooks Koepka.
Poulter was also one of three players to file a lawsuit to challenge their suspension from the Genesis Scottish Open. The three golfers won the stay and Poulter played in The Open, but missed the cut.
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