LIV Golf’s Ian Poulter has spoken of his desire to still captain the European Ryder Cup side despite not currently being a member of the DP World Tour.
Throughout his colourful career, Poulter has often been referred to as Mr Ryder Cup.
Known as ‘The Postman’ for always delivering, the 48-year-old’s overall record in his seven Ryder Cup outings is an impressive one – 15 wins, eight defeats and two ties in the 25 matches he has been involved in.
He seemingly ended his Ryder Cup career in 2023 when he resigned his DP World Tour membership after joining the Saudi-backed circuit. But in a recent interview with Al Arabiya English, the 48-year-old revealed he would still welcome the opportunity to lead Team Europe in the biennial contest.
“It’s been a huge part of my golfing life, some of the proudest moments of my career,” said Poulter.
“I’m hopeful one day there’s a sense of coming together that would enable the likes of myself… the opportunity to be able to become captain.
“Let’s see what happens, there’s going to need to be some compromise. I’m hopeful one day we’ll see it.”
Talks remain ongoing between the Public Investment Fund (PIF), DP World, and the PGA Tour as they seek to resolve the current fractures within the sport.
While the future of golf remains up in the air pending an agreement between the three parties, it’s almost certain that Poulter will need to rejoin the DP World Tour, settle his LIV Golf fines, and compete in four regular Tour events each season to regain eligibility for golf’s greatest contest.
Poulter described this as a ‘difficult’ challenge for him and his LIV Golf peers.
“The rules that have been set in place are difficult – there’s no compromise,” he added.
“I think everyone is aware that players need to play their minimum amount on the European Tour to be eligible to play.
“It’s difficult for me personally – I find myself in a tricky position, where I’m not a member, and I obviously can’t become eligible to be part of a team or even help out as a Vice Captain or Captain unless I do become a member again.
“It’s not the best scenario, but it’s one that the tour is sticking to.”
Poulter’s former Ryder Cup teammate, Justin Rose, believes there may still be hope for his compatriot to captain the team, especially if Ryder Cup Team Europe’s sentiment mirrors the desire to keep players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton eligible for the competition.
The LIV Golf duo both recently appealed their sanctions from the DP World Tour for playing LIV events, ensuring they can retain their membership by playing four events this season.
“We’re seeing scenarios with Tyrrell (Hatton) and Jon (Rahm) having gone, but they’re still very much current in terms of form of playing in the Ryder Cup,” said Rose ahead of the BMW PGA Championship.
“And I know there’s a few outstanding I’s to be dotted and T’s to be crossed for them to be eligible, but I think the sentiment in the team is we want the best players playing. I think if that’s the sentiment, then of course the same would be extended into the captaincy role, I’d imagine, or theoretically anyway.”
He later added: “I think for that to happen for Poults, I can definitely see that pathway, but I think the world of golf needs to make it happen, as well, for him.”
