UPS cuts ties with Westwood, Oosthuizen

In a sure sign of things to come for those involved with Norman’s LIV Golf events, Lee Westwood and Louis Oosthuizen have been dumped by long-time sponsor, UPS.

The two players, who between them share close to 60 worldwide victories, were named as part of the lineup looking for releases to play in the first tournament of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series event next month.

Lee Westwood (Credit: www.golffile.ie)

As a “Worldwide Supplier” of the Ryder Cup since 2018, UPS was no doubt under pressure to relinquish its association with players taking part in the polarising LIV Golf events.

In February, Phil Mickelson’s back-pocket also suffered following comments he made at the time surrounding the Saudi events and the PGA Tour. The 51-year-old lost long time sponsor, KPMG, along with a slew of others in quick succession.

Who will be next? Well LIV Golf has yet to release the field for the June 9-starting tournament in London. But when it does, you can bet the fallout will continue and it will be the players, who will be left counting the cost of daring to go up against the PGA Tour.

Perhaps the $25 million purses and a guaranteed no-cut payday will help reduce the pain for some.