via Reuters
Golf – The Masters – Augusta National Golf Club – Augusta, Georgia, U.S. – April 6, 2021 Dustin Johnson of the U.S. during a practice round REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
via Reuters
Golf – The Masters – Augusta National Golf Club – Augusta, Georgia, U.S. – April 6, 2021 Dustin Johnson of the U.S. during a practice round REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
It is official now. Dustin Johnson will be playing in the inaugural event of the LIV Golf Invitational Series! The golf world got surprised by this revelation, as he had said otherwise only a couple of months ago. However, how did the fans react when one of the sponsors took a measure against him and another player for playing in the PGA Tour’s rival league?
“As a result of the decisions made by professional golfers Dustin Johnson and Graeme McDowell to play the LIV Golf Invitational Series opener,” the sponsor said to Sportico. “RBC is terminating its sponsorship agreement with both players.”
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The Royal Bank of Canada signed the contract with the golfer in 2018 when he was still the world No. 1. The bank extends its sponsorship to more than 10 male and female golfers, including Graeme McDowell. Additionally, the bank also sponsors two of the PGA Tour events, the RBC Heritage and RBC Canada Open.
Read more: Meet Austin, the Brother, and Caddie of Professional Golfer Dustin Johnson
Notably, the inaugural event of the LIV Golf Series starts on June 9 at the Centurion Club in London. Meanwhile, the RBC Canada Open will start on June 6 in Toronto, making the two events overlap with each other.
Fans’ reaction to RBC dropping Dustin Johnson and Graeme McDowell
Since the bank terminated the contract with Johnson and McDowell, people have been using Twitter to share their thoughts on it. And it seems that the fans have differences in opinions. While some supported the decision of RBC, some didn’t. Furthermore, fans also didn’t forget to mention the Canadian Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky in their comments.
Johnson recently married Gretzky’s daughter Paulina in a private ceremony.
Official word from RBC:
"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."— Bob Weeks (@BobWeeksTSN) June 1, 2022
I can’t believe either one didn’t give RBC an earlier heads up! Great way to treat a long term sponsor.
— Mack Ray (@Charbonneau60) June 1, 2022
I love all the critics here who wouldn’t take an offer for their same job for a lot more pay from another employer if given a chance. Such loyal righteous Twitterites. Get off your high horses business is business. This is a profession, a good job offer is a good job offer.
— Hem Hem (@Hem_Hem_Ahem) June 1, 2022
Wayne needs to talk to that kid.
— S.Coghlin (@scoghlin) June 1, 2022
It's an appropriate response to the ingratitude shown by both players.
— Todd Lewys (@ToddLewys) June 1, 2022
All actions have consequences. All freedoms come w/ consequences. RBC decided being represented by people in@bed w/ the Saudi’s was not good for their brand. Those are the consequences for these players. It is life.
— Ness65 (@EdwardNessler) June 1, 2022
According to reports, Johnson has been paid about $125 million to join the LIV Golf event. Many fans thought that the offer was too good for him to turn down.
Can’t blame DJ. Getting older and at the end of his prime. Has “only” made close to $2mil this year. $125mil is a lot to turn down. Not to mention, he can play in The Masters for the rest of his life and he can qualify for the U.S. Open and The Open Championship if he wants.
— brandon barrera (@blbarrera25) June 2, 2022
I don't think they care much about losing a sleeve sponsor.
— Abednego (@abednego82) June 1, 2022
I'm sure that they did a cost analysis of what the gains and losses were. It wouldn't have been a suprise to them that they will lose some sponsors
— Des Gerald (@des_gerald) June 1, 2022
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Have the other sponsors terminated Johnson and McDowell after RBC?
According to Johnson’s official site, he has endorsement deals with five more sponsors apart from RBC. His other sponsors include Adidas, TaylorMade, Hublot, BodyArmor, and Perfect Practice.
Meanwhile, the four-time PGA Tour winner Graeme McDowell has 6 other sponsors, including Cleveland Golf, Mastercard, and Srixon. There has been no news regarding whether the other sponsors plan to terminate their contract with the golfers. However, it won’t be a surprise considering Phil Mickelson lost a couple of his sponsors for making controversial comments about the league.
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What do you think of RBC dropping Johnson and McDowell for attending the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series? Do you think more sponsors will be following the suit?
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