Former Ryder Cup teammates in heated exchange over appearance fees

Ian Poulter and Padraig Harrington have locked horns on social media after Fred Couples opened a fresh can of worms last week.

The American criticised those who have made the switch to LIV Golf and failed to acknowledge the financial lure of the Saudi-backed circuit.

Couples was inherently referring to Jon Rahm, who cashed in on a deal to Greg Norman’s league worth around £450 million.

And Poulter led his side of the debate in support of golf journalist Alistair Tait, who argued with the two-faced ‘height of golf hypocrisy’.

In a column, Tait wrote: “Is this the same Fred Couples who turned up on the European Tour for large appearance fees? It surely is.

“Freddie was there for the money, along with other top players, Europeans included. Pretty sure he never went to Dubai for free, or other far-flung places around the world.

“Funny how Freddie and others never sat in a press conference and said: “I’m only playing this week because they’re paying a nice, big fat appearance fee.”

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That was when 12-time DP World Tour winner Poulter got involved, posting on X: “Alistair it’s amazing how some have short memories.

“I’d be very happy to make public every penny of any appearance fee I’ve made through my career. Then wouldn’t it be interesting to really see who is in a position to spout from their high horse.”

And, if like Padraig Harrington, you want to see those public appearance fees, you might be in luck.

The Irishman hit back at his former Ryder Cup teammate, calling on Poulter to see if he ‘was value for money’ by sharing the fees he earned.

“Go for it. I’m curious for one. Forget politics, I’m nosey,” quipped Harrington.

“For all those wondering, appearance fees generally require a number of commitments outside of golf. But one would not happen without the other.

“From the outside, Poulter always looked like he did a great job at appearances, but I can’t tell if he was value for money until he spills the beans on what his fees were.

“Don’t comeback with you go first or I will if you will. We’re not 6 years old.”

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DP World Tour events regularly paid fees, sometimes up to seven-figure sums for stars to play in the events, while the practice is prohibited by the PGA Tour.

However, LIV golfer Bubba Watson shared last year that he had received money to play in events on the established American circuit.

He told ESPN: “It makes me laugh because on the PGA Tour, I got paid behind closed doors to show up at tournaments, many tournaments.”

So, the next move lies with Poulter, as fans eagerly await the numbers.

Majesticks GC teammate Lee Westwood is just as keen to know, as he joked in response to Harrington’s call for clarity: “Me too!”