‘Punches Will Be Thrown in the Future’: Golf World Reacts to Heated Confrontation Between Billy Horschel and Ian Poulter

The tension at Wentworth Club has been soaring over the past few days. The BMW PGA Championship is the first event that comprises delegates from the PGA, DP Tours, and the LIV Golf Series. While we might not have witnessed the worst of clashes yet, it seems the tempers have already set off on the golf course.

Friends off the course, competitors on it

LIV rebel, Ian Poulter and PGA Tour pro, Billy Horschel, have been friends for a long time now. The two had even paired up for a compelling moment on the PGA Tour in 2014. But it seems the friendly fire has already been put out. The pair was seen in an argument on the greens today in what appeared less than just a friendly interaction.

While the voice was inaudible, the length of the discussion, coupled with the reaction and hand gestures, directed toward a not-so-friendly conversation. The topic of discussion is confined only to the two golfers as of now, with Poulter politely declining to comment on the matter.

Read more: BREAKING: European Tour Takes Drastic Measures to Combat Growing LIV Golf Threat

The short clip was already making waves on social media. While some awaited for more clarification before jumping ship, others criticized the organizing tours for such incidents.

Billy Horschel and his rant on LIV rebels, including Ian Poulter

If you think speculating about a spat is unthinkable, you might want to read Horschel’s thoughts first. The American had dished outlandish comments on LIV golfers, calling them out for participating in the BMW PGA Championship in an earlier press conference.

“Why are you here? You are here for one reason only and that’s to try to get world ranking points because you don’t have it,” Horschel declared. Only the Top 60 players on the European Tour have been eligible to participate in the competition, which guarantees Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points.

He later named a few golf rebels he felt shouldn’t have participated in the first place. “Even though Westwood and Poulter have been stalwarts for the European Tour, I don’t think those guys really should be here,” he said.

When asked specifically if there was a rift between him and good ol’ friend Poulter, Horschel maintained the pair were still friends. “I have no ill will towards these guys. Ian Poulter has been a friend for many years,” he said.

“Now, our talking points may be different a lot. They may not be allowed to talk about. But if it’s Ian Poulter, I’m sure we’re going to be talking about Arsenal versus West Ham.”

Arsenal don’t face West Ham United until December. And even the worst lip reader on the planet could make out that the spat on the golf course was anything but soccer. Expect similar incidents to flare up as we proceed with the weekend’s action.