Poulter: LIV Golf not 'controversial' | Ryder Cup future 'unknown'

Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood have downplayed the controversy surrounding the LIV Golf Series while admitting they are unsure of their Ryder Cup futures as the pair were quizzed on their involvement in the Saudi-backed tour on Wednesday. 

The British duo are among the high-profile names to have signed up for the breakaway series, joining two-time major winner Dustin Johnson, who confirmed his resignation from the PGA Tour on Tuesday, and six-time major champion Phil Mickelson.

Poulter labeled himself a 'global golfer' upon being asked whether he was a 'rebel or trailblazer', while Westwood insisted he would have to be 'stupid' not to pursue a pay increase at his age as both also referred to past European Tour events held in Saudi Arabia when questioned about the country's human rights record.

"We've played on the European Tour in Saudi Arabia over a number of years and the event has been a big event, it's had a world-class field," said Poulter. "It's been a world-class tournament.

"I don't believe it should be controversial, as Lee touched on there are eight events this year, 10 next year, 14 the year after, there is plenty of room to be able to have other great tournaments on other great tours we would like to compete in as well.

"The legacy standpoint is I'm trying to provide for my family which is the first and foremost thing I want to do, I come to work to play golf and that's my job at the end of the day.

"I love it, I love playing golf, I love the opportunity LIV gives us from a standpoint of playing, slightly less golf which gives me the ability to be fresher to be ready to go. It's a magnificent opportunity I'm really looking forward to."

Westwood also insisted he and other players were "comfortable" in making