British golfer Ian Poulter has expressed doubt about his future participation in the Ryder Cup, citing both his age and the controversy surrounding his move to LIV Golf. Poulter, who is 48 years old, believes he may be too old to compete in the prestigious biennial team competition when the next edition rolls around.
Poulter, along with several other golfers including Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood, became ineligible for Team Europe in the Ryder Cup after resigning their memberships with the DP World Tour to join the breakaway LIV Golf tour.
While Garcia, the record points scorer in the Ryder Cup, has expressed his intention to rejoin the DP World Tour in order to be eligible for future Ryder Cup events, Poulter has indicated that he has no such plans. Poulter, a veteran of seven Ryder Cup appearances, seems resigned to the fact that his time representing Europe in the competition may be over.
In an interview with Gulf News, Poulter stated, “My years of playing the Ryder Cup are done, I’m too old. I’m 48, so I’d technically be 49 by the time next year’s edition rolls around.” He expressed disappointment with the events surrounding the previous Ryder Cup, particularly the treatment and comments directed towards certain individuals involved.
Poulter emphasized the need for changes within the organization responsible for the Ryder Cup, suggesting that current leadership would have to undergo significant alterations for him to reconsider his involvement. He reflected on the sentiment that he and other players were not deemed necessary for the team during the previous event.
The golfer’s remarks highlight the complexity of the situation and the potential long-term implications of the decisions made by players amidst the evolving landscape of professional golf.