Ian Poulter's Knee Injury and Impact on Play
Ian Poulter, who has been ranked as high as fifth in the world, revealed he will require surgery following a meniscus tear sustained while "hopping up two steps" at a LIV Golf event in Virginia earlier this month.
Despite the injury to the cartilage in his knee, the 50-year-old golfer did not let it affect his performance during the first round of LIV Golf Korea at Asiad Country Club on Thursday, where he scored a four-under 66.
He followed this with a two-over 72 on Friday, placing him tied for 13th, six shots behind the American leader Talor Gooch.
"I tore my meniscus Thursday just hopping up two steps, so went for an MRI when I got back from Virginia, and I'm going to have to have surgery in September," said Poulter.
Physical Condition and Playing Outlook
Poulter expressed uncertainty about his ability to compete in Korea initially but noted that walking caused him more pain than playing golf.
"Bizarrely I have no sensation throughout the golf swing that there's anything wrong with it," added the Englishman. "I sense it when I'm walking downhill, steep downhills. I'm going to have to strengthen that leg, but it's not affecting my golf in any way.
"I just have to be reminding myself that I can't go and play padel, tennis or do anything stupid or hop up steps like I did a couple of weeks ago.
"Walking in straight lines and being super sensible is not something I'm used to doing. I feel good, the body feels good. We'll deal with that at some stage."
Career and Injury Context
Since joining LIV Golf in 2022, Poulter has yet to secure a victory in an individual event, although he boasts 17 professional wins overall, including three on the PGA Tour.
He is not alone in experiencing unusual injuries. World number one Scottie Scheffler missed the first two weeks of the 2025 PGA Tour season due to surgery on a hand injury sustained while cooking Christmas dinner, which involved a puncture wound to the palm from broken glass.
Similarly, Rory McIlroy missed the 2015 Open Championship after rupturing ankle ligaments during a five-a-side football game with friends.
