Ian Poulter rages at “two faced” LIV critics

Ian Poulter has launched a blistering broadside against “two faced” critics of LIV Golf who have subsequently changed their mind about the Saudi-funded enterprise.

Taking to Instagram, the 48-year-old condemned those whose position towards the circuit has shifted in recent times amidst talk of a proposed merger with the PGA Tour.

“Being two faced is a terrible trait,” wrote Poulter. “I’d be embarrassed having to change my story now and come out and try and look smart.

“I’m happy to sit down and have it out. I will happily say it as it is. Enough of the bullshit.”

The Ryder Cup star moved quickly to dispel any suggestion that his post was directed at Rory McIlroy.

• Trump Turnberry: Further Ailsa changes in the pipeline

• Major champ worried more sponsors will quit PGA Tour

Four-time major champion McIlroy has been one of the most vocal and outspoken critics of LIV Golf but, appearing on a recent podcast with former footballers Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Ian Wright and Roy Keane, he struck a more conciliatory tone, admitting he had been “too judgmental” of those who took the Saudi millions.

In a subsequent interview with Golf Digest, he outlined his “dream scenario” of a world tour, insisting that it had to include Saudi Arabia.

Moving to quash suggestions that he was referring to McIlroy, Poulter added: “Just for clarity, I applaud @rorymcilroy for his comments a few weeks ago. It takes a lot to say the things he said. Nothing that can’t be fixed over a good cup of coffee.

• Forgotten man of PGA Tour announces return

• Matt Fitzpatrick reacts to Keith Pelley’s departure

“It’s the others who blatantly choose to try and NOW become hero’s [sic] all of a sudden. You have to be kidding me. That will NOT be fixed over a coffee.”
Poulter’s came hot on the heels of a string of stories published by writers who had a round-table discussion with outgoing DP World Tour chief executive Keith Pelley in Dubai this morning.

“I think the growth of the game is global,” the BBC has reported Pelley as saying. “That’s where the focus needs to be.

“Every business now that is growing wants to be global,” he said. “You see that here in Dubai. What I would like to see is the game becoming unified with a global strategy.”

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor