Ian Poulter And Lee Westwood Left Rattled By Journalist’s 'Moral Questions'

Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood appeared rattled by one journalist's 'moral questions' following their move to the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf league.

In fact, they simply refused to answer altogether.

Poulter and Westwood are the latest professional golfers to turn their back on the PGA and jump ships to the newly-formed competition alongside the likes of Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Louis Oosthuizen and Sergio Garcia.

Given the allegations facing the Saudi Arabian government over human right violations, the mass exodus of players from the PGA to join LIV hasn't been particularly well received by those in the golf community.

So when reporter Neil McLeman had both Poulter and Westwood sitting right in front of him at a press conference, he decided to ask the Brits about their involvement.

McLeman said: "Lee and Ian, is there anywhere in the world you wouldn't play? If Vladimir Putin had a tournament, would you play that?"

Both men initially looked a bit shocked by the question.

"That's speculation. I'm not even going to comment on speculation," Poulter replied.

But the reporter wasn't having any of it.

McLeman added: "In a generality, is there any way you wouldn't play on a moral basis, if the money was right, is a way you wouldn't play?"

There was an awkward pause as silence filled the room.

"I don't need to answer that question," Poulter responded.

McLeman then turned his attention to Westwood, saying: "Lee, would you play in Apartheid South Africa, for example?"

But Westwood also shut down the journalist's advances.

"You're just asking us to answer hypothetical questions now. We can't answer a question on that."

Overall, the frosty exchange made for very uncomfortable viewing, but they're the sort of questions which will undoubtedly continue to be asked during this huge shift in power within golf.