LIV Golf’s Ian Poulter has decided to make an attempt to return to the major stage, three years after his last major start at The Open in 2022, where he finished in a tie for 62nd. The 49-year-old has now committed to play in the Open Championship Qualifying after falling down the Official World Rankings, mostly because LIV Golf events do not offer Official World Golf Ranking points.
Ian Poulter Targets Open Return Through Final Qualifying
Ian Poulter has set his sights on returning to golf’s oldest major. The Englishman has not received an exemption into the tournament due to his world ranking falling outside the required range. As a result, Poulter must go through qualifying to earn his place. The 49-year-old will try to qualify at Royal Cinque Ports in Kent on July 1. The venue is one of four sites hosting the 36-hole qualifying event. Poulter played a practice round there earlier this week to prepare for the qualifiers.
His team has confirmed Poulter’s intention to take part in the Final Qualifying, which is scheduled to take place on July 1. This marks a change from the Englishman’s decision not to take on the 36-hole shootout when he lost his Open status in 2023 and 2024. Poulter revealed that he was getting ready for the qualifier, and his appearance at the course came just a day after he walked the fairways at Royal Cinque Ports.
The five-time Ryder Cup winner has made 20 appearances in the championship so far. His best finishes include second place in 2008 and a tie for third in 2013. However, he has only finished higher than 20th once in 2025 — a feat that came at LIV Golf Korea. He is currently 46th in the individual standings.
Poulter Declined Opportunity To Qualify Last Year
Poulter also revealed that he declined the opportunity to participate in the qualifiers last year, instead deciding to spend time with his family. However, Poulter is ready to return to compete on one of the biggest stages in golf when Royal Portrush hosts The Open next month.
Sep 20, 2024; Carrolton, Texas, USA; Ian Poulter watches his shot from the tenth tee during the LIV Golf Dallas Team Championship at Maridoe Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-Imagn Images
“My world ranking is not high enough to get into the Open Championship. I had the ability to go and qualify and I didn’t. I was on holiday with the family in Switzerland instead,” he said. “That is what LIV Golf has given me, a bit more family time. I still have got a busy schedule with LIV playing 14 tournaments.”
Graeme McDowell, another LIV player and former U.S. Open champion, will also attempt to qualify at the same venue. Like Poulter, he faces the same challenge of earning his place without the support of ranking points. If Poulter qualifies, he will return to a championship that means more to him than most, after his three-year absence from a major.
Main Photo Credit: © Matt Marton-Imagn Images
