Ian Poulter sends brutal message to PGA Tour as LIV Golf loyalties clear

Ian Poulter left the PGA Tour and DP World Tour to join LIV Golf just over two years ago, and since making the Saudi switch the Majesticks captain has not looked back.

Ian Poulter admitted that there is ‘not a lot to miss’ when it comes to the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, two years on from his move to LIV Golf.

Poulter became one of the marquee names to make the LIV switch in 2022, having been a part of the initial wave of defectors alongside the likes of Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson. Like his fellow LIV stars, Poulter’s move came at a cost after being suspended by the PGA Tour.

His move ultimately cost him a spot on his home tour too, having resigned his DP World Tour membership after being fined and suspended for competing in ‘conflicting’ LIV events.

Despite the consequences, it appears the Ryder Cup stalwart is more than happy with his decision. “What do I miss about DP World Tour and PGA Tour? Well, there’s not a lot I miss,” he told Golf Monthly. “I’m doing the same thing I was doing on LIV. The format change is different, obviously.”

Poulter acknowledged that one aspect he misses about not participating in his previous tours is the camaraderie with fellow players. “I do miss some friends,” he remarked. “These are individuals I would have seen for 20 weeks each year, and now, of course, I no longer have that opportunity to see them.”

“This is probably the only thing I would say I miss.” Poulter serves as one of 15 captains on the LIV roster, co-captaining the Majesticks alongside former Ryder Cup teammates Lee Westwood and Henrik Stenson. Like Poulter, both Westwood and Stenson have relinquished their memberships with the DP World Tour.

A significant consequence of their decision to depart is the loss of eligibility to represent Europe in the Ryder Cup, as players must be members of the Wentworth-based circuit to qualify. Although their competitive days on the 12-man team may be over, it is evident that all three would have been included in some capacity off the course.

Stenson was appointed as the European captain for the 2023 Ryder Cup but lost that position after joining LIV. While discussions regarding a potential peace agreement between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and LIV are ongoing, Poulter believes his involvement in the Ryder Cup is concluded due to the aftermath of recent events.

“Too much transpired last time,” Poulter stated in an interview with Gulf News earlier this year. “There were too many comments made, which I find extremely disappointing, particularly regarding how certain individuals were treated and discussed in relation to the Ryder Cup, especially considering the dedication many have shown throughout their lives to enhance that event.

As it stands now, with the current leadership of that organization, significant changes would be necessary for me to consider re-engagement. From every angle, I recognize that I am not needed; they did not require my presence last time.”