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The legislation, passed last month, makes voter
identification requirements for absentee ballots more stringent
and shortens early voting periods for runoffs, making it a crime
to offer food and water to voters waiting in line.
Critics say the law passed by Georgia's Republican-led state
legislature aims to suppress voting among Black people and other
racial minorities who tend to vote Democratic.
"As you can tell, it really targets certain Black communities
and makes it harder to vote, which to me it's everyone's right
to vote," Champ said, two days ahead of the first round at
Augusta National.
"For me to see that, it's very shocking. Obviously, with MLB
(Major League Baseball) and what they did and moving the
All-Star game was a big statement. I know there's a bunch of
other organizations and companies that have moved things."
MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred last week ordered the sport to
relocate its 2021 All-Star Game after Georgia instituted the new
voting rules.
While Champ was speaking to a handful of reporters outside the
clubhouse, back in the press building three-times Masters winner
Phil Mickelson said he was unfamiliar with the details of the
new voting restrictions.
"I do believe in the rights and treating all people equal, and I
hope that as a Californian we lead by example and that others
will follow suit," he added.
Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy also chose his words carefully.
"I have to be respectful and somewhat careful what I say because
I'm not a citizen of this country, but I certainly think all
great countries and democracies are built on equal voting rights
and everyone being able to get to the ballot boxes as easily as
possible," he said.
"I've chosen to live in this country because I believe this
country is the best country in the world. America is the land of
opportunity, and it's the American dream. You work hard; you get
rewarded. So I believe in all of that stuff."
World number 86 Champ said he felt compelled to keep the issue
of race in the spotlight, and wanted to raise his game to the
next level to elevate the platform from which he could speak.
"There's not many people (on tour) who are willing to talk about
it," he said.
"It kind of gives me a little chip on my shoulder just to get to
where I know I can get because then, once I get there, then I
know I can do a lot more things."
(Reporting by Andrew Both; Editing by Toby Davis)
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