The Ron DeSantis-connected PR shop Clout Public Affairs has dropped the PGA Tour as a client, after it announced its plans to merge with the Saudi-funded LIV Golf.
The firm had been working with both the PGA Tour and the families of 9/11 victims who had been agitating against LIV Golf for its Saudi ties. It was one of a number of public relations or lobbying shops that had cashed in on the high-profile feud between the storied PGA Tour and the controversial upstart LIV Golf.
“Given recent events, we have respectfully ended our engagement with the PGA TOUR,” said Ashlee Rich Stephenson, Clout’s president, in a statement. “9/11 Justice remains a client.” Clout Public Affairs is a division of Axiom Strategies, a Republican political and public affairs shop founded by political operative Jeff Roe. Roe is also an adviser to the pro-DeSantis super PAC Never Back Down. Clout Public Affairs, which had become embroiled in the legal battle between LIV and its client PGA,Brett Eagleson, the president of 9/11 Justice, said it was the right decision for Clout Public Affairs to part ways with the PGA Tour.
“They’re choosing the side of justice and transparency,” he said, of Clout’s decision to drop its client. “I wholly support their decision, and I’m proud to stand with them. I’m proud to support ‘em.”of veterans, Gold Star families and family members of 9/11 victims hosted by DeSantis at the governor’s mansion in Tallahassee this past Memorial Day, an event that took place while former President Donald Trump hosted a LIV tournament at his golf course outside of Washington.