Ian Poulter: ‘Two steps up’ after English golfer needs surgery after knee injury

He admitted he wasn’t sure he would be able to compete in Korea, but said walking was more painful than playing.

“Surprisingly throughout the entire golf swing I had no sensation that there was anything wrong with it,” added the Englishman. “I feel it when I’m walking downhill, downhill. I need to strengthen that leg, but it’s not affecting my golf at all.

“I just have to remind myself that I can’t go paddle, play tennis or do anything stupid like I did a few weeks ago.

“Walking a straight line and being super smart is not something I’m used to. I feel good, body feels good. We’ll deal with it at some point.”

Poulter has yet to taste victory in an individual LIV golf event since joining in 2022, but has 17 professional victories, including three on the PGA Tour.

He’s not the first golfer to suffer a freak injury.

World number one Scotty Scheffler Miss the first two weeks He sustained a hand injury during the 2025 PGA Tour season while cooking Christmas dinner after surgery, which resulted in a puncture to his right palm from broken glass.

So did Rory McIlroy Miss 2015 Open After rupturing ankle ligaments while playing five-a-side football with friends.