LIV Golf players have a lot more money to spend since joining the Saudi-backed tour, but they won’t be able to deal with Mastercard for the time being.
Sports Business Journal has reported that the credit card company has “paused its activations” with Ian Poulter and Graeme McDowell after they left the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf. The move was made in “recognizing the uncertainties around their standing with the PGA Tour,” per a statement.
Mastercard’s relationship with the PGA looms over the situation. Not only are they a longtime partner of the PGA Tour, but they’re also the title sponsor of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. To say nothing of the concerns over a league backed by a government that had a role in the September 11th attacks.
Poulter, who made headlines when he was unable to provide adequate answers to ethical questions surrounding the source of LIV Golf’s funding, played in the Scottish Open this weekend after he and other golfers won an injunction to play in spite of their DP World Tour suspensions.
McDowell, who won the 2010 US Open, is amongst many LIV Golf whose best days appear to be behind them but are finding some of the best financial days ahead in the new tour.
The PGA Tour has issued indefinite suspensions to anyone who joins LIV Golf, which includes Poulter, McDowell, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, and Patrick Reed. amongst others.
