Ian Poulter open to DP World Tour u-turn as LIV Golf merger looms

13 October 2023 , 12:46

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Ian Poulter is open to a DP World Tour return (Image: Getty Images)

Ian Poulter has discussed making a potential return to the DP World Tour, as golf's peace treaty with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia remains under consideration.

Having spent his whole career on the DP World Tour, Poulter opted to hand in his membership earlier this year after being sanctioned for making a move to LIV Golf. His resignation saw him lose out on the chance to compete on the European circuit, as well as being involved at future Ryder Cups.

The world of golf found itself torn in two following the formation of LIV in the summer of 2022, but these tensions are set to ease with a framework agreement in place that will see the DP World Tour and PGA Tour work in unison with the breakaway circuit.

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Negotiations between the two leading tours and LIV's mega-money backers PIF are currently ongoing, and should any potential deal be reached Poulter refused to rule out reapplying for his recently resigned membership. Asked about a DP World Tour return, he told Bunkered : "As it stands right now I wouldn’t, but let’s wait and see the details of the framework agreement.

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"Never say never. I played my whole career on the European Tour, I’ve never missed a year. I always played more than my minimum tournaments and that was to my financial detriment not playing more PGA Tour events at the time.

Ian Poulter resigned from the DP World Tour earlier this year (Getty Images)

“I stayed very committed and loyal to the DP World Tour so who knows. If it works out right for everybody then I could certainly well rejoin, but we’ll see.” Arguably the hardest pill to swallow for Poulter on the back of his resignation will have been losing the chance to represent Team Europe at the Ryder Cup.

Throughout his career the Englishman was as a stalwart of the matchplay event, and a talismanic figure for European success against their American rivals over recent years. Following his LIV allegiances he was forced to watch this year's Ryder Cup from home for just the second time in 15 years.

Despite the recent bad blood, Poulter was quick to hail his former teammates after they defeated Team USA 16.5-11.5 at Marco Simone in Rome. "I couldn't be more proud to see this great team win back the Ryder Cup," the Majesticks co-captain wrote on Instagram. "You just don't see emotion like it at any other event. Enjoy the night lads and congratulations."

Joshua Lees