16 January 2023 , 16:12
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European Ryder Cup vice-captain Nicolas Colsaerts has criticised Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia for expecting the same treatment from the DP World Tour after deciding to join the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf.
Garcia was fined by the Tour in October after failing to provide an explanation for his withdrawal from the BMW PGA Championship event after shooting an opening-round 76, while Poulter took a shot at their "strategic alliance" with the PGA Tour following the same event.
"Not sure if this was my last ever PGA at Wentworth but if it was at least we signed off with a 67," he wrote on Instagram. "To everyone that followed me this week, you guys were absolutely class.
"I love playing in front of you all and signing for so many kids after every round. Time will tell, I hope it isn't my last but it won't be my choice. I left in 2004 to play full time on the PGA Tour and have played in the states for 19 straight years.
"Coming back to play in Europe every year to make sure I play my minimum numbers. Long before any strategic alliance was ever in place. It’s only been in place for a year. I don't see the difference."
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He also criticised the European Ryder Cup's Twitter account earlier this month for not wishing either him or Garcia a happy birthday. "What's really an 'incredible touch' is the Players that helped build the @RyderCupEurope Brand with other players as well," he fumed.
"You just can't bring yourself to say a simple Happy Birthday. @TheSergioGarcia B'day Yesterday. Unfortunately this says so much."
Garcia has already said he will not be part of Europe's Ryder Cup team this year even if LIV players are allowed to compete so as not to "hurt the team", while Poulter has insisted he still wants to make the team.
European Ryder Cup vice-captain Nicolas Colsaerts (Luke Walker/Getty Images)And Colsaerts says Garcia and Poulter's criticism of the Tour "doesn't sit well" with him. In an interview with the Times, Colsaerts said: "They had preferential treatment for however many years and now someone else comes knocking and you go over there but still want the same treatment here.
"That doesn't sit well with me. It's always difficult to hear somebody criticising something you have a strong affectionate relationship with.
"In my case, [the criticism] just hurts. Loads of people are still happy to see them play and people will pay to watch them, but you can feel the atmosphere is different unfortunately and it's really sad."