Ian Poulter forced to withdraw from home event

Ian Poulter has been forced out of this week’s International Series England in Surrey.

Set to get underway at Foxhills Country Club on Thursday, it’s the fourth event of the Asian Tour’s elevated series.

The 48-year-old says he is ‘gutted’ to be ruled out of the competition – just an hour from his Buckinghamshire base – but plans to attend at the weekend.

It’s because of an injury scare that has re-appeared on the eve of the tournament.

Afraid I won’t be playing the @intseriesgolf event this week at @FoxhillsSurrey due to injury but I will be coming along to support on Saturday so I hope to see as many of you there as possible🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/edTYtP1ZqY

— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) August 5, 2024

“Unfortunately, I’ve been forced to withdraw from this week’s International Series event at Foxhills Country Club,” he wrote in a statement posted on social media.

“An ankle injury I had earlier in the season has reappeared and after consultation with my team, I’ve been advised on resting it in order to reduce the inflammation.

“There is nothing better than playing in front of home fans and I’m gutted to miss out on another opportunity after a fantastic week at LIV Golf UK.

“I plan on being at Foxhills on Saturday to support the event and hopefully will have a chance to meet some of you there. I wish all the competitors in the field, staff, volunteers and stakeholders a great week.”

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Poulter’s omission leaves 17 LIV golfers in the field, where a $2 million purse and official world ranking points are up for grabs.

John Catlin and Thomas Pieters are among the big names, whilst Richard Bland and Sam Horsfield fly the flag for England.

Last year’s PGA Championship hero Michael Block is also listed in the field.

For Poulter, it was a chance to build on his T27 finish at LIV Golf UK two weeks ago. However, he has posted only one top ten finish this season – in Hong Kong in March.

The former World No.5 has fallen to number 663 in the OWGR and has played only one ranking event since last year’s International Series England.