LIV Golf Pro Ian Poulter Overcome With Emotion as Son Luke Gears Up for Cypress Point Challenge

A few months ago, Ian Poulter shared something raw and deeply personal — “You, my friend, inspire me daily.” Those words, directed at his son, Luke Poulter, weren’t the words of a 17-time winner but of a father watching his son rise through the ranks. Now, that same feeling of inspiration has returned — only stronger.

On Saturday, Luke Poulter will be making his Walker Cup debut, representing Great Britain & Ireland, at the Cypress Point Club in California. And while he prepares to showcase his talent on one of golf’s most revered stages, his father couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with his journey so far. He shared the heartfelt moment on Instagram, posting a photo with his sons Luke and Joshua against the stunning backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic courses —“I cannot put into words the emotion of watching our son walk one of the world’s most famous courses and represent GB&I @thewalkercup team. @lukepoults24, you make us proud every day. Keep being an amazing young man.” The message was simple, but carried a lot of weight behind it.

Just a year ago, Luke Poulter’s golf future was uncertain after fracturing his back — a long, painful recovery that tested his spirit. Since then, he’s not only returned but flourished, marking several great finishes in prestigious events and proving that setbacks can become a learning curve with the right mindset. His resilience was tested when, despite shooting a flawless 7-under 65 in his second round (including five birdies and an eagle), he ended up tied for fourth at 10 under. In a sudden-death playoff for the final qualifying spot, he was narrowly defeated by Austen Truslow—a pro who carded rounds of 68 and 66. Ian Poulter, who had planned to caddie for his son that week, was emotional with that performance — “I can’t believe how impressive today’s 65 was to get into that position. We keep using this as an incredible experience, and we keep getting better.”

Even earlier this week, Ian Poulter once again showed his unwavering support, not with grand gestures but with the kind of quiet encouragement that speaks volumes. As Luke prepared for one of the biggest moments of his amateur career, Ian Poulter shared a short but heartfelt message on Instagram — “Special week @thewalkercup @lukepoults24. Let’s have a week.” They were simple words, but it wasn’t just coming from a Ryder Cup champion, but from a proud father with belief in his son’s abilities.

And those words worked like magic for Luke Poulter, because the next day he managed to make an ace on Cypress Point’s par-3 3rd hole during one of the practice rounds. The moment was caught on video and quickly caused a storm across social media, with several fans echoing, “The kid is going places.” For Ian Poulter, watching his son deliver such a moment must have been a surge of pride. Sure, an ace has an element of luck, but the timing—on his debut at one of the world’s most iconic courses—made it unforgettable.

Why Luke Poulter’s debut at Cypress Point is a Moment of Rare Prestige

For any golfer, playing at Cypress Point Club is an extraordinary privilege, but for a young amateur like Luke Poulter, it’s something far more special. This masterpiece was designed by Dr. Alister MacKenzie, who completed this oceanside masterpiece five years before finishing Augusta National. The course is surrounded by the raw beauty of the Pacific Ocean, where every hole is a true test of skill and nerve.

Cypress Point was once part of the rotation for the Bing Crosby Pro-Am (now the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am) before leaving the event in 1991. The course has hosted golfing legends like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Ben Hogan. Now, more than four decades after it last hosted the Walker Cup in 1981, Cypress Point returns as the grand stage for amateur golf’s most prestigious team event in its 50th edition, and Luke Poulter is stepping into it for the first time.

The 21-year-old University of Florida standout has had a breakout season, one marked by resilience, consistency, and flashes of brilliance. He led the Florida Gators to victory at the SEC Championship, and his first collegiate win at the Schenkel Invitational in March further solidified his reputation. Just recently, he contributed to GB&I’s narrow win at the St Andrews Trophy, and last month, he reached the round of 64 of the U.S. Amateur. Cypress Point Club is a stage that befits Luke Poulter’s rise, and this week, he has the chance to make his mark where several legends once walked.