Signed into law last month, election law imposes new voter identification requirements on absentee ballots, empowers state officials to take over local election commissions, limits the use of ballot boxes and makes it a crime to approach voters online to provide food and the water.
“I have to be respectful and somewhat attentive to what I say because I am not a citizen of this country, but I certainly believe that all countries and great democracies are built on equal voting rights and everyone can get to the polls just as easily. as much as possible, “Rory McIlroy, a four-time major winner, told reporters on Tuesday.
“I’m also for people to come out and vote and have a great democracy and I chose to live in this country because I think this country is the best country in the world. You know, America is the country of opportunity and it’s the American dream. You work hard, you’re rewarded, so I believe in all this.
“But yes, they are for people to have the right to vote and to do so in the simplest way possible.”
The PGA Tour has already said it will not move this year’s Atlanta Tour Championship, scheduled for Sept. 2-5, saying it has a financial commitment to charities and the local community.
Collin Morikawa, the winner of the 2020 PGA Championship, praised the work of the PGA and believes that the law of the vote should be the main focus of this week’s talks, as the eyes of the world look at golf.
“These things with voters and voters for American citizens are very important,” 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. Masters, PGA Tour, we’re doing such a good job and we’re trying to help communities and I think that’s our main goal. for the week.
“But in general, the subject of voter rights and all of that should be the subject we’re talking about, not if we’re here playing golf. We’re trying to do everything we can to help communities and, of course, play back what we do for the week and this is our ability to travel around the world and around the US and to give back and provide opportunities, as I said earlier.
“These opportunities are really important.”
In response to the new law – which has been widely criticized by voters, civil rights groups and private companies in the state – Major League Baseball has announced that it will move the 2021 All-Star game from Atlanta to Denver, Colorado.
Cameron Champ, one of the brightest golf winners and a two-time Tour winner, says the new law is “shocking” and “frustrating.”
“As you can see, it really targets certain black communities and makes voting more difficult, which for me is everyone’s right to vote,” he said. “It simply came to our notice then. Obviously, with MLB and what they did and moving the All-Star game was an important statement. I know there are a lot of other organizations and companies that have moved things.
“Again, this is a prestigious event and I know a lot of things are happening and the people involved in it. But again, yes, it was definitely a little frustrating to see this. This week, you certainly claim to be do some things during the week.
US Open Champion Bryson DeChambeau added that diversity and inclusion are “incredibly important” for golf.
“I think the most important thing we can do is treat everyone equally, and I think growing up, my father told me that no matter what, you will treat everyone the way you want to be treated.” he said.
“From my perspective, what is happening now, I think you are looking at the Augusta National and PGA Tour and what we have done to grow the community and develop the sport and develop the charities that we can give back to.
“I think this is one of the most important things we need to look at and start looking 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 extraordinary entertainment they have. we can offer to the world. I think this is one of the most important things. “
Dianne Gallagher and Paul LeBlanc contributed to this report.