Ian Poulter rips into PGA Tour rivals over LIV Golf U-turn after McIlroy message

16 January 2024 , 19:36

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Ian Poulter was critical of players changing their mind on LIV for the wrong reasons

Ian Poulter has ripped into PGA Tour golfers opposing LIV Golf through an Instagram story after the public change of heart from Rory McIlroy on the matter.

Poulter took to the social media platform to type a lengthy rant at "the others" who have tried to follow in McIlroy's footsteps, apologizing for his initial views of LIV as the opposition before understanding their strategies. Poulter wrote: "Being two-faced is a terrible trait.

"I'd be embarrassed having to change my story now and come out and try to look smart. I'm happy to sit down and have it out. I will happily say it as it is. Enough of the bull****."

"Just for clarity, I applauded Rory McIlroy for his comments a few weeks ago. It takes a lot to say the things he said," continued Poulter. "Nothing that can't be fixed over a good cup of coffee.

"It's the others who blatantly choose to try and NOW become heroes all of a sudden. You have to [be] kidding me. That will not be fixed over a coffee."

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Poulter did not reveal who he was referencing regarding other players changing their minds in McIlroy's footsteps. Due to McIlroy's comments in the past, the 48-year-old made sure to clarify his remarks weren't aimed at the four-time major champion.

McIlroy has been critical of LIV since it opened for business in 2021. Before their debut, the two-time PGA Player of the Year said that the tour would be "dead in the water" and that he did not understand why any player would leave the PGA Tour.

Before the 2022 US Open, McIlroy used a portion of his press conference to share his disappointment with Phil Mickelson and other PGA players who left the tour to join Liv for money. He emphasized disappointment in Mickleson's route but shared that their friendship would remain intact.

Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter talk during a practice round

Two months later, McIlroy would share his scathing opinions about Liv after the Tour Championship. He said: "I hate what it's done to the game of golf. I hate it. I really do. It's gonna be hard for me to stomach going to Wentworth (for the BMW PGA Championship) in a couple of weeks and seeing 18 of them there," he continued. "It just doesn't sit right with me."

"I feel strongly. I believe what I'm saying are the right things, and I think that when you believe what you're saying are the right things, you're happy to stick your neck out on the line."

In June 2023, McIlroy continued his hatred for Liv, sharing that his viewpoints aligned with protecting the PGA Tour and its values. But at the top of 2024, the 34-year-old shocked the golf world with his mind-changing LIV viewpoints, which their CEO Greg Norman appreciated.

"We all turn professionals to making a living playing the sports that we do, and I think that's what I realized over the last two years," he said. "I can't judge people for making that decision, so if I regret anything, it was probably being too judgmental at the start."

Rory Robinson