Ian Poulter, Padraig Harrington in Heated Twitter Exchange over Appearance Fees

English golfer Ian Poulter was reportedly paid between $20-$30 million to join the LIV Golf circuit in 2022. 

In 13 tournaments, Poulter didn’t crack the top 10 one time at a LIV event. However, due to the no-cut structure of its tournaments, the three-time winner on the PGA Tour took home $2.85 million in prize money in 2023.

Maybe that’s what Viktor Hovland was talking about when he said you can make a lot of money at LIV without testing your golf game.

With that in mind, Scottish golf writer Alistair Tait wrote that there’s hypocrisy in the golf world at large over appearance fees. Tait suggests Fred Couples – who criticized Jon Rahm last week – himself took large sums to play in DP World Tour events in Dubai over the years.

Poulter responded to Tait’s post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Alistair it’s amazing how some have short memories. I’d be very happy to make public every penny of any appearance fee I’ve made through my career. Then wouldn’t it be interesting to really see who is in a position to spout from their high horse. 🤷🏼‍♂️ https://t.co/0EbQa4M8Hn

— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) December 15, 2023

That caught the attention of Padraig Harrington, who seemed to call out Poulter’s claim to open his books on appearance fees.

Go for it. I’m curious for one. Forget politics, I’m nosey. For all those wondering, appearance fees generally require a number of commitments outside of the golf. But one would not happen without the other. From the outside @IanJamesPoulter always looked like he did a great job…

— Padraig Harrington (@padraig_h) December 15, 2023

Poulter was a bit more diplomatic in addressing the former Ryder Cup captain and two-time Open Championship winner – but responded nonetheless.

Paddy it’s a very interesting dynamic going on at the moment. People spouting when they’ve made many millions through appearance fees over the years. You & I have done incredibly well on exactly this model. But some choose to forget how well they have or had it. #openbooks

— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) December 16, 2023

That’s where things ended, for now. As we all await the Dec. 31 “firm target” set by PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan to get all these golfers back on the same page.

Cover Image via GolfExtra