Ian Poulter, a professional golfer from England, was seen walking towards the ninth green during the first round of the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut. Poulter’s journey on the golf course was captured in photographs taken by Elsa/Getty Images.
In the world of sports, one of the most dreaded experiences for an athlete is suffering an injury. This unfortunate fate has befallen many golfers, including renowned players like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Nelly Korda, who have withdrawn from events due to injuries. Now, it seems that LIV golfer Ian Poulter has also become a victim of this misfortune.
Poulter recently shared a story on Instagram, where he revealed his heavily bandaged ankle, leaving fans curious about the cause of his injury. Fortunately, the golfer provided an explanation in the caption. According to Poulter, he had sprained his ankle towards the end of last year, and the issue has resurfaced once again. He wrote, “Just to provide some context, I sustained an ankle sprain in the latter part of last year.”
During the LIV Golf UK event at JCB Golf and Country Club, Poulter’s injury was aggravated. The golfer attributed this to the challenging terrain of the JCB course, known for its uneven surface and firm soil. Poulter elaborated, stating, “Walking last week on very undulating ground aggravated it during JCB week, hence the need for extensive taping to prevent further deterioration.” Despite experiencing some pain, Poulter can still manage to hit a few balls. However, he has made the decision to withdraw from the upcoming golf event at Foxhills in Surrey this week.
As a result, Poulter will be unable to participate in the International Series England, which commences on August 8. Nevertheless, fans can take solace in the fact that Poulter will be returning to compete in LIV Golf Greenbrier. He explained, “We have been advised to minimize walking to ensure optimal recovery for Greenbrier @livgolf_league next week. That’s why we have withdrawn from this week’s event.” So, fret not, golf enthusiasts, as your beloved golfer will still make an appearance to delight you with his skills.
In a surprising turn of events, Poulter, despite his significant injury, has made a promise to his fans. He has stated that he will be attending the event at Foxhills, not to participate in the game, but rather to watch and meet with his supporters. “I will be present on Saturday @asiantour @intseriesgolf at @foxhillssurrey to sign autographs for the fans and connect with some of you.” Poulter had been eagerly anticipating playing in the event and returning to his home country.
Earlier this year, Ian Poulter had expressed his immense excitement about competing in his hometown for the International Series England. As co-captain of the Majesticks GC, he had been looking forward to claiming the trophy and ending his winless 2024 season in the upcoming tournament. “Playing in England has always held a special place in my heart. The support from the home crowd, as well as family and friends, is truly incredible,” stated the golfer, as reported by Asian Tour.
Unfortunately, all of Poulter’s anticipation has been dashed due to a severe ankle injury. Despite the proximity of the Foxhills Golf Club to his home in England, it is a disappointment that Poulter will not be able to showcase his exceptional skills in his hometown. With a lackluster performance in tournaments this year and his withdrawal from the International Series England, it begs the question of whether he will be able to make a comeback and secure his first victory in the 2024 season at Greenbrier. Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Photo from Ian Poulter Instagram