Mastercard pauses endorsement offers with LIV tour golfers Ian Poulter and Graeme McDowell

Mastercard has paused its endorsement offers with LIV golf tour members Ian Poulter and Graeme McDowell, the corporate informed ESPN.

Poulter has had a contract with the worldwide firm since 2009 and McDowell has had one since 2011, however due to their affiliation with the controversial tour and suspension from the PGA Tour, Mastercard has put these contracts on pause.

“We’ve got paused the activation of our relationship with Ian and Graeme, recognizing the uncertainties round their standing with the PGA Tour,” stated Mastercard vice chairman of communications Seth Eisen.

Mastercard didn’t touch upon the period of the pause, which was first reported by Sports activities Enterprise Journal, or if it is going to be a everlasting choice, however the firm is the newest to drag the plug on endorsement offers with gamers who’ve joined the Saudi-backed golf tour.

Rocket Mortgage just lately introduced it was suspending its relationship with Bryson DeChambeau, RBC reduce ties with Dustin Johnson and McDowell, and Phil Mickelson misplaced sponsorships from WorkDay, KPMG and Amstel.

Some firms have taken a tough stance on the tour, whereas others have had no remark or made no choice on their sponsorships with present gamers. Michelob Extremely and Nike have maintained their contracts with LIV participant Brooks Koepka.

Poulter was additionally one in every of three gamers to file a lawsuit to problem their suspension from the Genesis Scottish Open. The three golfers won the stay and Poulter performed in The Open, however missed the reduce.