Ian Poulter opens up on relationship with ex Ryder Cup partner Rory McIlroy

Ian Poulter talks about his relationship with former Ryder Cup partner Rory McIlroy.

06 Jul 2023

Ian Poulter opens up on relationship with ex Ryder Cup partner Rory McIlroy

Ian Poulter says "nothing has changed" when it comes to his relationship with former European Ryder Cup partner Rory McIlroy.

Poulter, 47, was speaking ahead of returning to competition on home soil at LIV Golf London at Centurion Club this week.

Despite going their separate ways following the introduction of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf at this very event 12 months ago, Poulter claims there never was and never has been any issue between him and the Northern Irishman.

Even when McIlroy said he felt "betrayed" by a number of European Ryder Cup players such as Poulter moving to LIV Golf.

Poulter said:

"Nothing has changed. There's obviously been a lot out there in the media. But I spoke to Rory several months ago, and my relationship with him is the same as it's always been. I've got massive respect for him for what he's been able to achieve."

Poulter, who is a co-captain of Majesticks GC alongside Henrik Stenson and Lee Westwood, then declared business decisions should never interfere with personal relationships.

"A business decision is a business decision at the end of the day, and that should never get in a way of a personal relationship, and that would be disappointing and a shame if it ever did.

"As Lee [Westwood] said, my relationships haven't changed with any of the players. Still class them all as friends. We've spent alot of time in the last quarter of a century building relationships, and just because you have a slight difference of opinion shouldn't change any of that."

Poulter and McIlroy have played together six times in Ryder Cup history but have only taken a combined 2.5 points.

Their record stood at 2.5 points from four matches but they then lost both of their games together when the United States ran out a record victory over Europe in 2021.

As it currently stands, Poulter will not be part of the 2023 European Ryder Cup team as he is not a member of the DP World Tour.

But given the recent merger between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi PIF, it remains to be seen what changes will be made moving forwards to the European Ryder Cup team criteria.

McIlroy's close relationship with Sergio Garcia, who like Poulter moved to LIV Golf last season, was one relationship that did turn sour.

But Garcia recently addressed the topic and confirmed they are back on speaking terms.

That's all because of their wives!