The world of golf has been abuzz with controversy lately, and it’s hard to keep track of all the drama. From disputes over tournament rules to heated debates about player conduct, it seems like there’s always something brewing in the golf community. But one issue that’s been flying under the radar is the controversy surrounding fines in golf.

Ian Poulter, a LIV Golf player, recently shed some light on the issue in an interview with Sports Illustrated. Poulter revealed that LIV Golf is indeed paying the fines for LIV players who have been reinstated to the DP World Tour. Poulter was charged with fines by the DP World Tour for playing in LIV Golf events without obtaining the necessary releases. The DP World Tour had rules in place that prohibited players from participating in unauthorized events, and LIV Golf was not sanctioned by the DP World Tour. As a result, Poulter and several other players who joined LIV Golf were fined and suspended by the DP World Tour.

However, Poulter made it clear that he wouldn’t be taking that route. He believes the fines are “unjust” and doesn’t want anyone to pay them on his behalf. “I personally wouldn’t pay because I felt it was unjust at the time to be fined £100,000 a week,” he said. Poulter explained that he’s always played golf globally and was never fined by Europe for playing on other tours. He’s standing firm on his stance, and his conviction is admirable.

“I still stand with the first words that I think it’s not right. It’s very unjustifiable. And if I personally wouldn’t pay the fines myself. why would I certainly put my business partner in that position to pay 2.4 million dollars towards a Ryder Cup that I’m actually not going to play in?”  he said.  Poulter’s strong views on the matter are understandable, especially considering the hefty sum of $2.4 million that’s at stake. He’s not willing to ask LIV Golf to pay the fines, and it’s hard to blame him. With his conviction and determination, Poulter definitely makes his voice heard in the golf world. As the debate over fines in golf continues to rage on, it will be interesting to see how Poulter’s stance affects the conversation.

But not every player is taking the same route as Poulter as a fellow LIV Golfer has done quite the opposite.

Sergio Garcia has opted to play by the rules

Another player who was faced with hefty fines was Sergio Garcia, who recently paid over £1 million to settle his debts with the DP World Tour. This move is likely a strategic one, as Garcia is now eligible to return to the Tour in 2025 and potentially make the European Ryder Cup team. By paying off his fines, Garcia is taking a significant step towards reintegrating himself into the DP World Tour community.

Garcia’s decision to pay his fines is a bold move, but one that could pay off in the long run. It’s a calculated risk, but one that could have significant rewards for Garcia’s career. Who do you think did the right thing? Let us know in the comment section below!