McLaren Golf’s fast start shows no sign of slowing, with a Ryder Cup legend joining Justin Rose as the brand builds momentum ahead of its official product reveal.
McLaren’s cars are renowned for fast starts so it’s no surprise their new golf brand has been so quick off the line.
Less than a day after confirming World No.5 and major champion Justin Rose as their first signing, the new Formula 1-backed brand have added Ryder Cup legend Ian Poulter as both an investor and ambassador ahead of Wednesday’s official product launch.
Adding two big names to their global roster before a single piece of equipment has been released publicly tells you plenty about their strategy and the belief in the quality of their products.
Poulter brings a very different kind of presence to the project. One of Europe’s most iconic Ryder Cup performers, the Englishman has long been one of the game’s most outspoken voices and was among the first to commit to LIV Golf when it launched in 2022. Off the course, his profile is just as strong, with a large social media following, his own YouTube channel and a well-documented passion for Formula 1 – he’s a regular guest of McLaren at races.
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Like Rose, this feels like a natural fit.
Poulter has already been promoting his involvement. In a post on social media, he shared an image of McLaren Golf irons in his bag, captioned: “Good afternoon @mclarengolf,” while also reposting Rose’s announcement video. Even within his own camp, the clubs are getting airtime, with his daughter Lilly seen testing them on the range.
There are also early signs of a full switch.
Poulter’s previous set-up featured a Titleist T250 4-iron, T100 irons from 5-9 and a Vokey SM10 pitching wedge, but those have now been replaced by McLaren models from 4-iron through to pitching wedge. The configuration includes a CB Prototype 4-iron alongside MB Prototype irons from 5-iron to pitching wedge.
“It’s been incredible to see McLaren enter the world of golf. Their history in motorsport as a benchmark for engineering, performance, and innovation brings a huge depth of knowledge and experience,” Poulter told Flushing It Golf.
“As an investor alongside some outstanding people, this promises to be a very exciting journey.”
He also highlighted his fellow countryman’s influence, adding: “Justin Rose has played a pivotal role in testing and development with the McLaren team over the last two years. Knowing his relentless drive for perfection, he brings an exceptional eye and deep understanding of equipment.”
McLaren Golf are set to officially launch their first products on Wednesday afternoon, with Rose expected to put the new irons straight into play at the PGA Tour’s Cadillac Championship in Doral – just 30 minutes from this week’s Miami Grand Prix, where McLaren F1 star and reigning World Champion Lando Norris will be in action.
Poulter, meanwhile, will next be seen at LIV Golf Virginia in May, where he’s expected to put the irons in competitive play. Unlike Rose, Poulter will not be using the McLaren Golf papaya-coloured tour bag, sticking instead with his Majesticks GC colors. While Rose will also wear the McLaren Golf logo on his clothing, it’s not yet clear if Poulter or Majesticks, the LIV team he co-captains, will carry any of the branding.
Meanwhile, LIV Golf itself remains under scrutiny, with reports suggesting June’s planned Louisiana event has been cancelled, raising further questions around the big-money Saudi-backed Tour’s future.
But while LIV is showing signs of stalling, McLaren Golf is gathering serious pace.