Ian Poulter has revealed he could have made a surprise appearance at this weekend’s US Open.
The Ryder Cup icon has not competed at the event since 2021, having left the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf.
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Poulter has revealed he was close to a US Open return this weekCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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His son Luke agonisingly missed out on a place at the eventCredit: Getty Images – Getty
However, his son Luke was just one shot away from a spot in this year’s field at Oakmont.
The University of Florida sophomore featured in final qualifying on June 2.
After finishing ten-under-par after 36 holes, Luke found himself tied for fourth and the final qualifying spot.
The youngster was agonisingly beaten in a play-off to leave him as an alternate for the US Open.
Poulter reflected on his son’s performance whilst speaking on talkSPORT’s Hawksbee & Jacobs show, explaining: “He played incredibly well.
“He’s had a great start to 2025 after having been out for seven months with injury last year. Proud to see the work that he’s put in and start to get the reward.
“So, he missed out in a two-for-one qualifying position to make it straight into the US Open. He feels pretty upset that he’s at home watching it on TV when he was that close.”
The former world number five is a veteran of 16 US Opens during his career.
His best performance came at Winged Foot in 2006, where he finished tied for 12th.
Poulter later competed at Oakmont the following year, ending the weekend in a tie for 36th.
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Poulter planned to caddie for Luke if he qualified for the US OpenCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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The former world number five competed at Oakmont back in 2007Credit: Getty Images – Getty
The 49-year-old added that he would have returned to the course this week had Luke qualified.
He continued: “Unfortunately he didn’t make it, but I was actually going to caddie for him in the US Open.
“It would have been wonderful. Truly would have been amazing.
“So hopefully he can get in a Major in the next few years and my legs are still strong enough to carry a bag for 18 holes for him.”
A place at the event would have also allowed Luke to compete to be named the low amateur, awarded to the best scoring amateur player to make the cut.
Despite the disappointment of missing out on qualifying for the US Open, Luke has already picked up a victory this year for the Florida Gators.
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He won the Schenkel Invitational at Forest Heights in Georgia back in March, his first event triumph as a college athlete.
Meanwhile, Poulter is now into his fourth season with LIV Golf after leaving the PGA Tour in 2022.
A three-time winner on the PGA Tour, he co-captains Majesticks GC alongside Lee Westwood and Henrik Stenson.