Poulter and Fleetwood FUMING with Popov's LPGA exemption rule

Ian Poulter and Tommy Fleetwood have leaped to the defence of Sophia Popov after it has emerged the newly-crowned AIG Women's Open champion will not receive a five-year exemption on the LPGA Tour. 

The way the LPGA Tour sees things right now is that because Popov was not an LPGA Tour member prior to her maiden major victory at Royal Troon last week, she does not get to earn her playing rights on the circuit for the next five years.

Popov, who became the first German to win a women’s major championship and the highest ranked player to capture the historic championship, is currently only exempt to play on the LPGA Tour until next season. It will also mean she is not exempt to tee up in future ladies major events at the ANA Inspiration and the US Women's Open. 

LPGA commissioner Mike Whan has since outlined the reasons why Popov will not receive a five-year exemption in the video below...

A message from @LPGACommish Mike Whan pic.twitter.com/dthJSzq0jX

— LPGA (@LPGA) August 28, 2020

The news has led the likes of Ian Poulter and Tommy Fleetwood to vent their frustrations into their phones on social media. 

This story is absolutely embarrassing to the @LPGA and quite frankly embarrassing to the game of golf. Somebody wake up and figure this out. To the best story in golf for a very long time to the worst story in a few days. @SophiaCPopov https://t.co/0Vbb5iUwiV

— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) August 28, 2020

Having first read the news on Golf.com, Poulter took to Twitter to comment: "This story is absolutely embarrassing to the LPGA and quite frankly embarrassing to the game of golf. 

"Somebody wake up and figure this out. To the very best story in golf for a very long time to the worst story in a few days."

Poulter's compatriot Fleetwood was also irate with the current ruling to deny Popov job security on the LPGA circuit until 2025.

As golfers we all dream of being a major champion @SophiaCPopov congratulations on such a special achievement!! @LPGA rule is stupid to say the least. The way you’re playing though you won’t have to worry about it

— Tommy Fleetwood (@TommyFleetwood1) August 28, 2020

"As golfers we all dream of being a major champion," tweeted Fleetwood.

"Sophia Popov, congratulations on such a special achievement! LPGA rule is stupid to say the least. The way you're playing though you won't have to worry about it."

Justin Rose could not get his head round it, either.

Not sure about these LPGA rules, but @SophiaCPopov , @kate_rose99 and I would be delighted to offer you a 5 year exemption to @RoseLadiesGolf CONGRATS on your amazing win!

— Justin ROSE (@JustinRose99) August 28, 2020

A number of other players have also voiced their displeasure at the decision, with Luke Donald tweeting: "Has this affected any other players in the past? Seems like a crazy rule to me, c'mon LPGA let's make this right!"

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