Team Europe stalwart Ian Poulter has reportedly been offered £22million to ditch the Ryder Cup and join the controversial Saudi-backed golf Super League according to the Telegraph.
Throughout his career Poulter has announced himself as one of the Ryder Cup’s greatest players, performing in European blue on a number of occasions over the years.
‘The Postman’ did feature at last September’s dismal European display at Whistling Straits, as Padraig Harrington’s team fell to a record-breaking 19-9 defeat at the hands of the Americans.
Despite the disappointment though Poulter has previously admitted he’d like to give the tournament he has excelled in so much over the years a final shot in 2023.
One thing that could well lure him away from any hopes of competing in Rome though is a lucrative offer from the contentious Saudi-backed breakaway Super League.
As a result the Telegraph have reported that the Englishman could earn between £14.8 million and £22.2 million if he accepts the controversial offer.
However, it would in turn cost him his Ryder Cup place both as a player, and a future captain with The Postman tipped to lead Team Europe at the event in the coming years.
Following criticism and concern from the PGA Tour and DP World Tour also, Poulter could also be banned from the sport’s world renowned two leading circuits if he accepts the Super League offer.
The Englishman is not the only man said to have been offered a lucrative deal, with fellow future tipped Ryder Cup captain Henrik Stenson said to also be in the same predicament.
What are you thoughts on the Saudi-backed Series? Let us know in the comments section below.
Both Poulter and Stenson will be in Saudi Arabia this week alongside some of the world’s best, including the likes of Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson to compete at the Saudi Invitational.
The Middle East event was formerly part of the DP World Tour (was European Tour) schedule for three years, but has now switched over to the Asian Tour with an improved prize purse of £3.7 million up for grabs.
Saudi Arabia’s recent heavy investment in the sport has led to many critics, however it does have one of golf’s biggest names in Greg Norman leading the cause and singing its praises.
Ahead of this week’s tournament Norman defended the Series’ intentions, and accused the PGA and DP World Tour of being ‘scared’.
He said: “We’re not in this for a fight, there’s no question. We’re in this for the good of the game. That's where we're at.
"It's disappointing to be honest, personally disappointing to see some of the attacks that have been taking place unwarrantedly.
"If you pre-judge anybody without knowing the facts, then shame on you, to be honest with you.
"Are you scared of something? What is LIV Golf Investments doing that you are scared of? Why do you have to have these attacks to the level they do?
"Understand the fact that we have always and continued to be very collaborative and cooperative with any of the institutions right across the board. We want to work together side by side.”
LIV Golf Investments CEO, Norman revealed today the details of the contentious Saudi-backed series in conjunction with the Asian Tour.
The golf series is set to feature 10 events, and will even make a stop in the UK, with the Centurion Club in Hertfordshire hosting a £1.1 million event in June.
