Election law, signed into law last month, imposes new voter identification requirements for absentee ballots, allows government officials to take over local elections, limits the use of ballots, and makes it a crime to approach voters in line to meet them food and water.
“ I have to be respectful and somewhat careful what I say because I am not a citizen of this country, but I certainly think that all the great countries and democracies are built on equal voting rights and everyone can get to the polls so easily. possible, “four-time great winner Rory McIlroy told reporters on Tuesday.
“I’m all for getting people out to vote and having a great democracy, and I chose to live in this country because I believe this country is the best country in the world. You America is the land of opportunity and it’s the American dream You work hard You get rewarded So I believe in all that stuff.
“But yes, I am all for people to have the right to vote and to do it in the easiest way.”
The PGA Tour has already said that this year, which is scheduled for September 2-5, it will not relocate the Season-ending Tour Championship from Atlanta, saying it has a financial commitment to the charities and the local community. .
Collin Morikawa, the 2020 PGA Championship winner, praised the work the PGA is doing and believes that voting law should be the main focus of talks this week when the eyes of the world watch golf.
“This voter stuff and voter stuff is very important to US citizens,” he told reporters. “I think that’s the topic we should all be talking about. We shouldn’t be talking about whether we’re here or not. The Masters, the PGA Tour, we’re doing such a good job and we’re trying to help communities. and I think that’s our main focus for the week.
“But generally the topic of electoral rights and all that, that should be the topic we’re talking about, not when we’re playing golf here. We try to do our best to help communities and of course give back to what we do. for the week, and that’s our ability to travel around the world and across the US and give back and give opportunities, as I said before.
“Those opportunities are very important.”
In response to the new law – which has been widely criticized by voting advocates, civil rights groups and private corporations in the state – Major League Baseball announced it would move the 2021 All-Star game from Atlanta to Denver, Colorado.
Cameron Champ, one of the brightest golfers and two-time Tour winner, says the new law is “shocking” and “frustrating”.
“As you can see, it’s really targeting certain black communities and it’s getting harder to vote, which for me is everyone’s right to vote,” he said. “For me to see that, it’s very shocking. Obviously with MLB and what they did and moving the All-Star Game was a big explanation. I know there are a lot of other organizations and companies out there doing things have moved.
Again, this is a prestigious event, and I know there is a lot going on and the people involved. But then again, yes, it was certainly a little frustrating to see that. This week I will definitely be supporting the doing some things all week long. “
US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau added that diversity and inclusion is “incredibly important” to golf.
“I think the most important thing we can do is treat everyone equally, and I think my dad told me growing up that you’re going to treat everyone the way you want to be treated anyway,” he said.
“From my perspective, what’s going on now, I think you’re looking at Augusta National and the PGA Tour and what we’ve done to grow the community and grow the sport and grow the charities that we can give back.
“I think this is one of the most important things that we should look at and look at this tournament and this championship as a positive light for the community, a positive light for the world and an opportunity to show people the great entertainment. that we can provide to the world. I think that’s one of the most important things. “
Dianne Gallagher and Paul LeBlanc contributed to this report.