LIV golfer reveals he was almost surprise US Open caddie

A total of 14 LIV Golf stars were in US Open action this week at Oakmont.

Six of those made the cut, with eight players from the Saudi-backed circuit forced to pack their bags at the halfway stage.

That included last week’s winner Joaquin Niemann and Phil Mickelson, who was bidding to complete the career grand slam in Pennsylvania.

But one LIV man who wasn’t in the field almost found himself with a surprising part to play.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Ian Poulter revealed that he was agonisingly close to being on the bag of his son, Luke, in the third men’s major of the year.

The Englishman didn’t play at the venue in 2016 but was hoping to pass on his knowledge to a 21-year-old Poulter.

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He fell just short in Final Qualifying, however, losing in a play-off that left him as an alternate.

“Unfortunately, he didn’t make it, but I was actually going to caddie for him in the US Open,” explained the 49-year-old.

“It would have been wonderful. Truly would have been amazing.

“So, hopefully, he can get in a major in the next few years and my legs are still strong enough to carry a bag for 18 holes for him.”

Poulter Jr, a sophomore at the University of Florida, finished on ten-under-par after 36 holes on ‘Golf’s Longest Day’ on June 2.

In a tie for fourth and the final qualifying spot, he was forced into a shootout which, ultimately, didn’t go his way.

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“He played incredibly well,” Poulter added.

“He’s had a great start to 2025 after having been out for seven months with injury last year. Proud to see the work that he’s put in and start to get the reward.

“So, he missed out in a two-for-one qualifying position to make it straight into the US Open. He feels pretty upset that he’s at home watching it on TV when he was that close.”

Meanwhile, the former world No.5 teed it up in 16 editions of the championship. His best result came at Winged Foot in 2006, where he finished T12.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Tryst Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.