Ian Poulter is one of the few golfers who have expressed dissapointment on the OWGR’s decision on LIV Golf. Before the 2026 LIV Golf Riyadh, it was reported that only the top ten finishers in the LIV tournaments would get OWGR points for the 2026 season. While this has been viewed as a controversial decision, it is nonetheless a small start for the league. Poulter has had a mixed reaction, largely pointing out how the rule was implemented incorrectly.
The golfer has repeatedly claimed that golfers who finish first receive somewhat more points than usual, which is unfair to the other golfers who are only a few positions behind. Ian Poulter has used the example of David Puig, who had a fairly successful 2025 season with multiple top ten finishes but few wins. He claims that Puig-like golfers will not be able to acquire a significant advantage on the OWGR due to the rule being executed incorrectly on the circuit.
Ian Poulter reiterated his opinion in an X post, requesting PGA Tour reporter Evin Priest to provide prospective data on how much David Puig would have jumped in the OWGR if the regulation had been implemented, stating that facts do not lie. His X post stated,
“Evin, You’ll have the numbers for us all to see. Why don’t you publish a simulation of using today’s @OWGRltd given to @livgolf_league and show the World where David Puig would have ended up after last years great performances. 🤷🏼♂️ Facts won’t lie. And yes we have been given a few points, which is more than the Zero 👍🏼. But actually questioning there worth. Please inform us.”
Apart from this, Poulter recently also addressed the Brandel Chamblee dispute, expressing his support for Phil Mickelson.
Ian Poulter stood by Phil Mickelson about Brandel Chamblee
Brandel Chamblee has received a lot of controversy after claiming that The Players Championship is not just as big as the golf majors, but it is bigger and more difficult to win. Chamblee noted that the TPC Sawgrass has some of the toughest layouts, which make golfers struggle. Interestingly, when Josh Carpenter reported on this statement in an X piece, Phil Mickelson strongly opposed it.
The six-time golf major champion replied under the post saying he had won the Players Championship before and that it is definitely not as big as any other golf major. His comment read:
“I’ve won it. It’s not.”
Ian Poulter added an another comment under Mickelson’s post, stating that he, too, finished as runner-up at the Players Championship, which is not as big as any golf major. His comment read,
“I’ve only finished 2nd… It’s not 😂”
Talking more about Ian Poulter’s performance at the LIV Golf Riyadh, he finished the tournament tied for 41st place with a total score of 8 under par, 12 strokes behind the eventual champion.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, hockey, golf, baseball, and more!