‘I Hope It Isn’t My Last’ – Poulter On BMW PGA Championship Future
The LIV Golf player has expressed his wish to play on the DP World Tour’s flagship tournament in future years
Ian Poulter had a strong final round in the BMW PGA Championship with a five under 67 to finish tied for 32nd at Wentworth following a controversial week in which he and the presence of other LIV Golf players had been met with disapproval from some players.
Video: What Is LIV Golf?
However, following the tournament, Poulter stated his desire to continue on the DP World Tour - and in future BMW PGA Championships. Posting on Instagram, he said: “Not sure if this was my last ever PGA at Wentworth but if it was at least we signed off with a 67. To everyone that followed me this week, you guys were absolutely class. I love playing in front of you all and signing for so many kids after every round. Time will tell, I hope it isn’t my last but it won’t be my choice.”
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A legal hearing is due to take place next February to determine the DP World Tour fates of the LIV Golf players. However, as far as Poulter is concerned, he’s earned the right to continue. He said: “I left in 2004 to play full time on the @pgatour and have played in the states for 19 straight years. Coming back to play in Europe every year to make sure I play my minimum numbers. Long before any strategic alliance was ever in place. It’s only been in place for a year. I don’t see the difference.”
Poulter was one of 17 LIV Golf players to take advantage of an exemption category to tee it up at Wentworth. However, the likes of Billy Horschel and Jon Rahm suggested they were only appearing so they could claim Official Golf World Ranking points. After his opening round, Poulter also hit out at what he described as petty comments over LIV Golf. He said: “We can always play this game of he said, she said, and petty comments. It's just easier if I don't say anything.”
Whether Poulter will be able to compete in next year's tournament is unclear, but with OWGR points, featuring on the Race To Dubai and Ryder Cup points on offer this year, he can at least take satisfaction from his appearance, whether or not it proves to be his BMW PGA Championship swansong.
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Mike has over 25 years of experience in journalism, including writing on a range of sports throughout that time, such as golf, football and cricket. Now a freelance staff writer for Golf Monthly, he is dedicated to covering the game's most newsworthy stories.
He has written hundreds of articles on the game, from features offering insights into how members of the public can play some of the world's most revered courses, to breaking news stories affecting everything from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to developmental Tours and the amateur game.
Mike grew up in East Yorkshire and began his career in journalism in 1997. He then moved to London in 2003 as his career flourished, and nowadays resides in New Brunswick, Canada, where he and his wife raise their young family less than a mile from his local course.
Kevin Cook’s acclaimed 2007 biography, Tommy’s Honour, about golf’s founding father and son, remains one of his all-time favourite sports books.
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