Virginia Water, England (AP) – Ian Poulter and two other players who signed up for the Saudi-funded LIV Golf Series won residency Monday from a British court allowing them to play in the Scottish Open.
Poulter, Adrian Otaegwe of Spain and Justin Harding of South Africa challenged their suspension from the Scottish Open and two other tournaments, the penalty for playing a Golf Leaf event outside London without a European Tour exit.
They will be added to the field this week at The Renaissance Club for the Scottish Open, the first European Tour to be jointly approved by the PGA Tour.
The PGA Tour has suspended its members who signed up for the Saudi-backed series directed by Greg Norman. Poulter is also a member of the PGA Tour.
Poulter was among 16 players who hinted at legal action over the European Tour penalties, although temporary stay after a hearing before Judge Philip Sycamore, who was appointed by Sports Resolutions (UK), only applies to the three players.
“I will simply say that we are disappointed with the outcome of today’s session, but we will stick with the decision,” European Tour CEO Keith Bailey said in a statement. “It is important to remember, however, that this is merely a suspension of the sanctions imposed, pending hearing of the players’ appeal as to whether those sanctions are appropriate.”
Bailey was at the JP McManus Pro-Am in Ireland and said he would withhold a more detailed response until the charity event is over, out of respect for the hosts. McManus has attracted a global field that includes Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Scotty Scheffler and a host of other major heroes.
Poulter also plays the two-day event in Ireland.
Earlier in the day, he told BBC Sports he was fighting for his right to play golf.
“My commitment to the European Tour has been there since day one,” he said. “And it is still there today. I am proud to play so much, when at the expense of my World Ranking points and FedEx Cup points I could have earned more playing in America.”
Along with the suspension, players who participated in LIV Golf without permission were fined £100,000 ($121,000), an approximation of the $20 million last-place money in LIV events.
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