Ian Poulter Outlines Collaboration Opportunity Between PGA Tour and LIV Golf
Ian Poulter GBR Profigolfer als Gast im Fahrerlager, Formel 1 Pirelli Grand Prix, FIA F1 Weltmeisterschaft, Circuit of Amerika, Austin Texas, 19.10.2024, USA, VIP *** Ian Poulter GBR Professional golfer as a guest in the paddock, Formula 1 Pirelli Grand Prix, FIA F1 World Championship, Circuit of America, Austin Texas, 19 10 2024, USA, VIP
Ian Poulter GBR Profigolfer als Gast im Fahrerlager, Formel 1 Pirelli Grand Prix, FIA F1 Weltmeisterschaft, Circuit of Amerika, Austin Texas, 19.10.2024, USA, VIP *** Ian Poulter GBR Professional golfer as a guest in the paddock, Formula 1 Pirelli Grand Prix, FIA F1 World Championship, Circuit of America, Austin Texas, 19 10 2024, USA, VIP
Three years after joining LIV Golf, British legend Ian Poulter is doing more than just playing for the Majesticks. He is changing the conversation about what the league could actually become.
The Majesticks co-captain said PGA Tour-branded teams could one day play in LIV. Speaking on The Rough Cut Golf Podcast, Poulter talked openly about it.
"There's an opportunity to have two or three more teams in LIV. Why couldn't they be PGA Tour teams? Why couldn't you give 12 players the top 12 or the 12 who want to play a certain number of events?"
The three-time PGA Tour winner said the idea comes from the PGA Tour’s current problems. With CEO Brian Rolapp stating that the TV deal will need to be renewed soon and The Tour shortening its schedule, there are opportunities for collaborative efforts between the tours.
The PGA Tour faces tensions now, with investors seeking larger profits, leading to a focus on maximizing its biggest events.
"There's a lot of stress and pressure on the PGA Tour for them to make this make money," Poulter said.
He believes that pressure could create a chance for a deal if both sides are ready to change. However, Poulter made it clear that he does not think the Tour has changed at all yet.
Ian Poulter Calls the Returning Member Program "A Hostile Offer"
The PGA Tour pointed to its Returning Member Program as proof it was extending the olive branch, welcoming Brooks Koepka back as Exhibit A. But Poulter read it very differently.
"They gave an opportunity to four players and four players only," he said. "That's not really opening up."
The four players in question, Koepka, Cam Smith, Bryson DeChambeau, and Jon Rahm, are LIV's four biggest commercial draws.
"We just wanted the biggest four assets that we can nick back from LIV, and we don't want any of you lot," Poulter said, implying that there were no genuine doors being opened for players. "That's a hostile offer in my opinion."
With DeChambeau set to see his contracts expire at the end of the current campaign, the tug-of-war over talent is only going to intensify. Poulter's idea of PGA Tour teams inside LIV may sound far-fetched today, but so did a Saudi-funded rival league once.
Can PGA Tour teams ever compete in LIV Golf? Let us know in the comments!
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Written by
Sneha Abraham
Edited by
Surjo Roy