Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood were asked by a reporter whether they would consider playing in a golf tournament if it was hosted by Russian president Vladimir Putin following their decision to play in the controversial Saudi-funded LIV Golf Invitational Series.
Poulter and Westwood were speaking ahead of the inaugural LIV Golf event at Centurion Club in St Albans on Wednesday prior to the first LIV event, where they were joined by their Majesticks team members and fellow Englishmen Sam Horsfield and Laurie Canter.
As you can see from the video below, Poulter and Westwood were left speechless at the reporter’s question on morality.
“Lee and Ian, is there anywhere in the world you wouldn’t play?” said the journalist. “If Vladimir Putin had a tournament would you play that?”
First there was a brief pause before Poulter said: “Speculation, I’m not even going to comment on speculation.”
The reporter came back: “In a generality, is there any way you wouldn’t play on a moral basis? If the money was right, is there anywhere you wouldn’t play?”
There was more silence, a sip of water from Poulter followed by a deathly stare.
“I don’t need to answer that question,” said Poulter.
“Sorry?” replied the journalist.
“I don’t need to answer that question,” answered Poulter.
“Lee, do you want to answer it?” said the reporter. “I mean, would you have played in apartheid South Africa, for example?”
Westwood replied: “You’re just asking us to answer a hypothetical question there, which I’m not going to answer.”
The reporter said: “Well they’re moral questions aren’t they?”
Westwood concluded: “We can’t answer a question on that.”
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:
🗣️ “If Vladimir Putin had a tournament, would you play that?”
Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood refuse to answer questions on whether there is anywhere in the world they wouldn’t play. pic.twitter.com/v9WkEYvDoy
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) June 8, 2022
Article originally appeared on: Golfmagic.com
Actually in this instance do blame Poulter[Not a Fan of] & Westwood[Like the Gentleman] for not answering. It was a Stupid question to ask!!
Should have Typed “DO NOT BLAME” Poulter & Westwood for not answering. It was a Stupid question.
Sorry; Sport’s Fans!!
I love that reporter’s question. It’s just the beginning. I hope they keep asking these tough questions because eventually they won’t have these pre tournament interviews. Then what happens. These are the guys that the tour will not miss. Turncoats
Excuse me, but what’s wrong with asking a hypothetical question? Why do these arrogant, spoiled brats think they’re immune from answering them?
If the President of the United states does not have to answer questions about his lack of morality, why should they??
It’s because these questions are hypocritical. The reporter has definitely consumed Saudi oil / products in his normal life. He has consumed Chinese foods too. These questions coming from an ivory tower are a joke and a sham. Get off your high horse you low life reporter.
Good point, Gopher. Not saying they have to answer any questions, but don’t get the objections to being asked a hypothetical—as if in court—based on the form of the question. It was a pretty simple question–why not take the opportunity to explain more about why they’re on board here? I should add that I’ve been a fan of these guys and have always liked them, but was simply disappointed by the way they handled this part of the interview; would hope for better.