Ian Poulter has previously achieved a world ranking as high as fifth.
Ian Poulter has announced his need for surgery to address a meniscus tear sustained during a seemingly innocuous incident of “hopping up two steps” at a LIV Golf event in Virginia earlier this month.
Despite the injury to his knee cartilage, the 50-year-old demonstrated resilience on the course, carding a four-under 66 in the opening round of LIV Golf Korea at Asiad Country Club on Thursday.
He followed up with a two-over 72 on Friday, positioning him in a tie for 13th place, six strokes behind the leader, American Talor Gooch.
“I tore my meniscus on Thursday just hopping up two steps, so I went for an MRI upon returning from Virginia. I’m scheduled to undergo surgery in September,” Poulter stated.
He confessed to uncertainty regarding his ability to compete in Korea but noted that walking presented more discomfort than playing.
“Strangely, I experience no sensation during the golf swing that indicates any issue,” the Englishman added. “I notice it when walking downhill, particularly steep declines. I’ll need to strengthen that leg, but it’s not impacting my golf performance in any manner.”
“I simply must remind myself to refrain from activities like padel, tennis, or any foolish actions, such as hopping up steps as I did a few weeks ago.”
“Walking in straight lines and being exceptionally cautious is not my usual practice. I feel good, and my body feels well. We will address the situation at some point.”
Since joining LIV Golf in 2022, Poulter has yet to secure an individual victory at a LIV Golf event. However, he boasts 17 professional wins, including three on the PGA Tour.
Poulter joins a list of golfers who have sustained unusual injuries.
World number one Scottie Scheffler missed the first two weeks of the 2025 PGA Tour season after undergoing surgery on a hand injury he sustained while cooking Christmas dinner, which left him with a puncture wound to the palm of his right hand from a broken glass.
Rory McIlroy also had to miss the 2015 Open after he ruptured ankle ligaments while playing five-a-side football with his friends.