GOLF: Ian Poulter plays on torn meniscus, surgery set for September

Ian Poulter said he needs surgery after tearing his meniscus while hopping up two steps at LIV Golf Virginia earlier this month.

Poulter didn't let the injury impede him on the golf course on Thursday, as he shot a 4-under 66 in the first round of LIV Golf Korea at Asiad Country Club. The co-captain of Majesticks GC followed with a 2-over 72 on Friday to reside in a tie for 13th place, six strokes in back of leader Talor Gooch.

"I tore my meniscus Thursday of Virginia just hopping up two steps, so went for an MRI when I got back from Virginia, and yeah, I'm going to have to have surgery in September," Poulter said Thursday.

Poulter, 50, admitted that he wasn't sure he'd be able to compete in Korea.

"Bizarrely I have no sensation throughout the golf swing that there's anything wrong with it," he said. "I sense it when I'm walking downhill, steep downhills. I'm just edging it a little bit. But look, I'm going to have to strengthen that leg. It's not affecting my golf in any way, shape or form.

"I just have to be reminding myself that I can't go and play paddle 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.

"Look, I feel good. I feel great. The body feels good. We'll deal with that at some stage."

Poulter has yet to win an individual LIV Golf event since joining the upstart league in 2022. He has 17 professional wins, including three on the PGA Tour.

-Field Level Media/Reuters