Ian Poulter reveals his shock decision to reject a chance to qualify for The Open

Ian Poulter, a prominent figure in LIV Golf, has disclosed that he chose not to pursue qualification for the 152nd Open Championship earlier this week, opting instead for a family holiday. The 48-year-old golfer, who could have attempted to qualify at various locations including West Lancs, Burnham & Berrow, Dundonald Links, or Royal Cinque Ports, decided against it due to his vacation plans in Switzerland.

Poulter, a former European Ryder Cup hero, has not participated in the last eight major tournaments following his transition to LIV Golf in 2022. Despite a notable second-place finish at The Open in 2008, he is currently ineligible to compete at Royal Troon this month due to a significant drop in the Official World Golf Rankings, where he now ranks 611th, a stark contrast to his previous career-high of fifth.

In an interview with talkSPORT, Poulter explained, “My world ranking is not high enough to get into The Open Championship. I had the opportunity to go and qualify, but I didn’t. I was on holiday with my family in Switzerland instead. That is what LIV Golf has given me, a bit more family time. I still have a busy schedule with LIV, playing 14 tournaments.”

Poulter is set to resume his LIV Golf League commitments next week in Andalucia, Spain. This season, he has managed only one top-10 finish in nine LIV Golf events. Although he missed the chance to qualify for The Open, Poulter found solace in the success of his Majesticks team member, Sam Horsfield, whom he mentored during Horsfield’s junior years. Horsfield successfully qualified at West Lancs for the final major of the season.

Another notable LIV Golf player, Sergio Garcia, failed to qualify for The Open for the second consecutive year, expressing frustration after receiving a slow play warning during the first round of qualifying. Meanwhile, Lee Westwood, co-captain of the Majesticks, is also ineligible to compete, although his co-captain Henrik Stenson, who won The Open at Royal Troon in 2016, will be participating.

In total, 18 LIV Golf players are set to compete in The Open at Royal Troon from 18-21 July.