LIV Golf pro blasts his performances since joining rival league: “I’m not happy”

Ian Poulter expresses his ambition for his LIV Golf team, the Majesticks, to own their own course, but acknowledges that the team needs to improve their performance for this to become a reality.

Poulter has been frustrated with his results since joining the LIV Golf League, having been one of the first wave of golfers to sign with the series in 2022. The Englishman reportedly signed a $22 million deal to join the Saudi-backed tour, which has been mired in controversy. This controversy included putting his Ryder Cup future at risk and becoming unwelcome on his home tour. Poulter faced a legal battle with the DP World Tour over fines for competing in LIV events, which he ultimately lost.

Poulter’s performance in LIV’s initial 2022 campaign was lackluster, failing to break into the top 10 in seven starts. His best finish last year was 11th at Centurion Club, and his results this year include one top-10 finish at LIV Golf Hong Kong, followed by placements of 29th, 52nd, 35th, 46th, 25th, and 27th.

“I’m not happy with my play over the last couple of seasons. I think I’m very close,” Poulter told reporters ahead of LIV Golf United Kingdom at JCB Golf & Country Club. He emphasized the importance of having the right mindset and enjoying the game, stating that another win would mean a lot to him, with his last victory being at the 2018 Houston Open on the PGA Tour.

Other LIV players, such as Bubba Watson, have also expressed grand plans for their teams, like owning a golf course to host LIV events. Poulter, co-captain of the Majesticks alongside Lee Westwood and Henrik Stenson, shares this vision but stresses the need for improved results and financial backing.

“We’ve talked about it, but it comes down to finance,” Poulter said. “If we deliver on the golf course and win five tournaments next year, we can push this forward a bit quicker.” He added that every team has been encouraged to think big about their future, envisioning what the next three, five, or ten years could look like.

Westwood agreed with Poulter, noting the “infinite possibilities” for their team’s future.