Ian Poulter’s outfit at Arnold Palmer Invitational a sign of support, political significance

During the opening round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, three-time PGA Tour winner Ian Poulter sported the colors of Ukraine to show his support for the besieged country. It is no secret that Ukraine is hurting while under attack. In fact, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Friday that Russian forces had used cluster bombs and that the organization had “seen reports of the use of other types of weapons which would be in violation of international law.”

Poulter, who has a dozen wins on the European Tour, was asked about his style choice.

Q: I can’t help but notice the color choice that you have there. Is there a reason for the color choice today?

Ian Poulter: Yeah, I think it’s hard, when you flick the news on right now and obviously you see the devastation that’s going on around the world and you feel for the people in Ukraine, just wearing a similar color today in respect to those suffering over there is the least I can do.

Just everyone’s probably thinking of all those families that are affected right now.

Q: What made you think of it? Have you done that before?

IP: It’s hard not to think of it, right? You wake up in the morning and you want to read the news, and you go home at night and you want to read the news. I’ve got quite a few clothes in the closet, so I found a couple of colors that I think would kind of give them a little bit of respect.

Hopefully, just the thoughts and prayers for the families out there.

Q: The idea that you’re out here playing golf, it’s tough with what’s going on in the world?

IP: It just seems like every time you think there’s light at the end of the tunnel, something else comes along. It brings it into perspective pretty quickly. We just play a silly game of golf while others are in the world suffering.