Ian Poulter, two others win Scottish Open ban appeal: ‘It was the right thing to do’

Ian Poulter, twelve-time European Tour winner, and two additional players DP World Tour approvedAfter winning their appeal in a British Court on Monday, they will compete in the Scottish Open this week. 

Poulter, Adrian Otaegui and Justin Harding were among 16 players to challenge the DP World Tour’s ban from the Scottish Open after competing in LIV Golf’s invitational series in London last month without a release from their tour, but the three players won a temporary stay on Monday from a judge appointed by Sports Resolutions (UK). 

“I didn’t have any other choice, did I? I had to appeal, I’m not going to sit back when I feel it’s slightly unjust,” Poulter said at the J.P. McManus Pro-Am, Golf Channel. “It was the right decision.”

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Last month The European Tour announced fines of around $120,000 and bans from the Scottish Open, the Barbasol Championship and Barracuda Championship – all events co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour – for players who competed in the first-ever LIV Golf event in London. 

Majesticks GC’s Ian Poulter tees on the fifth green during the second day of the LIV Golf Invitational – London At The Centurion Club on June 10, 20,22 in St Albans. 
(Photo by Joe Maher/LIV/Getty Images).

Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, and Sergio Garcia were some of those who took part in the tour without releasing. Later, Sergio Garcia wrote a letter warning that legal action would be taken if it did not end. 

“I will simply say we are disappointed by the outcome of today’s hearing, but will abide by the decision,” European Tour CEO Keith Pelley said in a statement following Monday’s ruling. “It is important to remember, however, this is only a stay of the sanctions imposed, pending the hearing of the players’ appeal as to whether those sanctions were appropriate.”

Keith Pelley is the CEO of DP World Tour. He watches the pro-am before the Magical Kenya Open at Muthaiga, Kenya on March 2, 2022. 
(Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

According to the Golf Channel other players are also looking for similar appeals. 

“I feel everything that I’ve done the last 24 years, from my card and what I’ve played and committed throughout the years – 389 tournaments that I’ve played on the European tour, holding two tour cards but still staying as committed as I’ve been to the European tour like I have – I wanted to play [the Scottish Open],” Poulter said Tuesday. 

This report was contributed by The Associated Press.