“Pretty vile” - Ian Poulter opens up on the abuse he received after joining LIV Golf

Ian Poulter was aware of the repercussions he could face after joining the tumultuous LIV Golf. The English golfer signed a contract with the Saudi-backed series in 2022, leaving behind his beloved European Tour.

Netflix recently dropped a series called Full Swing, highlighting golfers' debate on joining the controversial LIV Golf or staying loyal to the PGA Tour. It also features Ian Poulter sharing his opinion on joining LIV Golf.

Speaking about his decision, the LIV golfer explained:

“I don’t just think of my kids, but their kids and their kids and that is what I work for. People might have their objections. I’m not sure I get it, but fair enough. Yet I don't understand why they take it so far.”

On the reactions to his joining LIV Golf, the Englishman said:

“Pretty vile. Not necessary and I think that, in many respects, the media are to blame for the extent of this abuse.”

Inevitably, Ian Poulter was subjected to brutal trolling on social media after joining LIV Golf.

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"I have given everything I've got" - Ian Poulter on his Ryder Cup experience

Poulter then went on to speak about how he has given his everything at the Ryder Cup. He said:

“And the Ryder Cup, seriously? Do I have to prove that I care? In those eight weeks [of the Ryder Cups in which I have played] I have given everything I’ve got.

“The pictures show it. Blood, sweat and tears, I wasn't acting. I was a wreck for a few weeks after each one of those matches. I loved every second, but now I’m in the situation where I feel unwelcome. Just because I put my family first? I’ve struggled to cope with that, although the reaction to Netflix has helped a lot.”

Ian Poulter also talked about the camaraderie he enjoys with his teammates at LIV Golf. He said:

“When I joined LIV I probably underestimated what the team aspect would do to me. But now I know my responsibility is not just to myself and my family, but to the team I’m on [Majesticks] and to the managers of this team. The camaraderie has been terrific, especially in the build-up to the new season."

Poulter is playing in the second season of LIV Golf. He serves as the co-captain of Majesticks GC along with Henrik Stenson, Lee Westwood, and Sam Horsfield.

The 47-year-old has been very vocal about his support for LIV Golf. A few months back, he even slammed Ryder Cup for not wishing his teammate Sergio Garcia on his birthday.

Apparently, LIV Golf missed wishing Poulter on his birthday the next day, giving PGA Tour the perfect opportunity to take a jab at him.

Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia played a vital role in the popularity of Ryder Cup Europe. However, as they both joined LIV Golf thereafter, the officials have distanced themselves.

The PGA and European Tour have drawn a line in the sand since the inception of the controversial series.