Lee Westwood loses longtime partner UPS amid ties to Saudi-backed rival golf league

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Lee Westwood and longtime sponsor UPS have parted ways after 14 years following the golfer’s request for release to play in the controversial Saudi Arabia-backed rival league, according to a report. 

A UPS spokesperson told Sports Illustrated in an article published Wednesday that the shipping giant’s move to drop Westwood was a "strategic business decision" but did not mention the golfer’s recent ties to the LIV Golf Invitational series in Britain next month. 

Lee Westwood of England and caddie Helen Storey walk during a practice round prior to the start of the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club May 18, 2022, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  (Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

"We value the relationship we’ve had but make decisions based on what is best for our business," the spokesperson told the outlet. "We will continue to focus on sponsorship initiatives that are important for UPS and consistent with our business priorities.

"The decision to end our partnership is a strategic business decision that allows us to focus on other initiatives. We maintain alternative sponsorships across other sports as well as cultural, philanthropic and sustainability-led initiatives to support our brand and meet the needs of our business."

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Lee Westwood of England plays his second shot on the 13th hole during the second round of the Betfred British Masters hosted by Danny Willett at The Belfry May 6, 2022, in Sutton Coldfield, England.  (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

The two-time PGA Tour champion also confirmed the news to the outlet but declined to comment on the reason for