21 March 2023 , 11:57
608
0
Ian Poulter has declared "shame on them" if Ryder Cup Europe opts to snub LIV Golf rebels from future captaincy picks.
Ryder Cup hero Poulter was one of many players to jeopardise his future in the famous biennial duel with the USA by jumping ship for the riches on offer in the Saudi-funded breakaway circuit last year.
The 47-year-old has stressed that his family was at the centre of the controversial career decision that has effectively shut him out of this September's showdown in Rome, barring a shock captain's pick from skipper Luke Donald.
And it is conceivable that Poulter - formerly earmarked for the 2025 captaincy at Bethpage Black in New York - has now had his last involvement in the competition that has defined his career.
Henrik Stenson was stripped of the European captaincy for his LIV Golf defection last summer, while Sergio Garcia and Graeme McDowell also appeared certainties for slots as skipper before signing for the contentious rebel series.
Bubba Watson shares details of horror knee injury ahead of LIV Golf debut
The European stalwarts will soon discover their immediate Ryder Cup future with a decision pending on whether they can still compete on the DP World Tour, following a recent arbitration panel hearing in London.
Poulter, who clearly has no regrets over his LIV switch, expects that "things will change" as he replied to a fan on a social media asking if he will ever get the chance to captain Europe.
However, the player so synonymous with the Ryder Cup has also suggested that ignoring LIV players who are veterans of the formerly known European Tour would be a dereliction from tournament bosses.
Poulter has become so synonymous with the Ryder Cup but his future in the competition is in serious doubt (Getty Images)"LIV Golf League is here to stay it's only 30 rounds old," Poulter said on Instagram. "And every start up business takes time.
"I'm so proud to see how far it's come in such a short space of time. It's an incredible business and product and it will be incredible.
"And if the DP World Tour chose to not have any LIV golfer as captain after they have supported them and still do for over 25 years then shame on them. Sad but that's on them. Time will tell and once all the info is out things will change I'm sure."
Away from LIV's 14-event schedule, Poulter will lead the field at the World City Championship in Hong Kong this week on the Asian Tour, with four qualification spots up for grabs at the Open in Royal Liverpool this July.