Both Ian Poulter and Tommy Fleetwood have come out in defense of Sophia Popov after it was revealed that she has not yet received a five-year exemption from the LPGA tour
Ian Poulter denounces the “embarrassing” LPGA exemption situation for Popov
The golfing world was shocked to hear that Women’s Open champion Sophia Popov is not currently set to receive a five-year exemption for the LPGA Tour.
The German was not a member of the LPGA Tour at the time of her victory, which means she does not earn job security on the main women’s golf tour for five years … despite winning a major championship.
Popov will only be exempt until the end of next season as things stand, and she is not exempt for ANA Inspiration and US Women’s Open either.
She described the situation as “difficult” and said she “got a little frustrated”.
Ian Poulter is furious after reading the original Golf.com report, saying it is embarrassing for the LPGA Tour and the game of golf as a whole.
“This story is absolutely embarrassing for the @LPGA and frankly embarrassing for the game of golf, “tweeted the Ryder Cup legend.
“Someone wake up and understand it. From the best history of golf in a long time to the worst history in a few days. “
Tommy Fleetwood, Poulter’s 2018 European colleague Ryder Cupper, described him as “stupid.”
“As golfers, we all dream of being a great champion @SophiaCPopov, congratulations on such a special achievement !! The @LPGA rule is silly to say the least. The way you play though, you won’t have to worry about it, ”Fleetwood wrote on social media.
As golfers, we all dream of being great champions @SophiaCPopov congratulations for such a special result! @LPGA rule is nothing short of stupid. But the way you play you won’t have to worry about it ????????????????
– Tommy Fleetwood (@ TommyFleetwood1) August 28, 2020
Thomas Bjorn and Luke Donald also called on the LPGA Tour to change the rule.
It’s amazing that @LPGA is @LPGACommish have not yet reacted….
Golf is the laughing stock of the sports world again due to rules that don’t make any sense …@SophiaCPopov she is a great champion and should play wherever and whenever she wants !!!@AIGWomensOpen @LETgolf– Thomas Bjorn (@thomasbjorngolf) August 28, 2020
Has this affected other players in the past? Sounds like a crazy rule to me, let’s go @LPGA let’s do it right! https://t.co/f9q5fXZ3Xe
– Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) August 28, 2020
The @EuropeanTour gave Rich Beem and Shaun Micheel 10 years of exemption when they won their majors (USA), despite not being members at the time … more than their tour I think! …
Just like the Senior, this highlights the lack of reciprocity and respect on the other side of the pond. https://t.co/jENBoAiwoH– Jamie Elson (@Jamie_Elson) August 28, 2020
Why should you give Cinderella’s carriage an APARTMENT ?! What the hell is going on @LPGA @LPGACommish ? This may not be the message you want to send to all golfers looking to follow @SophiaCPopov steps. https://t.co/E60wT3v5c1
– Michael Collins (@ESPNCaddie) August 28, 2020
There is a reason why the majors are majors. They can change lives and livelihoods. For @LPGA do not give @SophiaCPopov a full 5 year exemption after triumphing in those circumstances is clearly wrong. Time for a quick U-turn.
– Iain Carter (@iaincartergolf) August 28, 2020
Let’s hope the LPGA Tour makes sense and gives Popov a five-year exemption.
Related: Sophia Popov What’s in the bag?
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