British golf legend’s son, 22, follows in his famous dad’s footsteps as he competes in Walker Cup

THE POULTER name already has its place in the golfing history books but young prospect Luke is out to write another chapter. Poulter, 22, is the eighth-ranked men’s amateur golfer on the planet and has been tipped to enjoy a bright future as a professional. Luke Poulter is among the top men’s amateurs in the world Credit: Getty Poulter is slated to make his PGA Tour debut next year Credit: Getty He is competing at one of the most prestigious amateur golf tournaments on the calendar – teeing it up for Team Great Britain & Ireland at the Walker Cup. The tournament follows a similar format to that of the Ryder Cup, where dad Ian has enjoyed so many of his career highlights. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! A mixture of alternate shot foursomes and singles match-play battles will entertain fans at Lahinch Golf Club in Ireland this week. Luke, who is learning his craft at the University of Florida, is returning for his second appearance at the tournament. A draw would be enough for the USA to retain their title, meaning Great Britain & Ireland must pick up at least 13.5 of the 26 points on offer. Top prospect Luke is a senior in Florida and has his sights set even higher than a spot on the PGA Tour. He said last year: “I’m just super confident now that I can compete with these guys. “The main goal is to get to No1 in the world. To win a major would be amazing. But overall, I’d love just to follow in [my dad’s] footsteps and make him proud. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Luke’s dad, Ian, has banked over £30million in career prize money Credit: Getty “We talk a bit about how there’s not been many PGA Tour pros’ sons that have made it on tour. I’m ready for that challenge. Add one more to that list.” Ryder Cup hero Ian, 50, has banked more than £30million in prize money during spells with the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. He said on Luke’s career prospects: “He’s very privileged to be financially secure. I worked hard to give my kids, not too much, but I wanted them to live a life I didn’t have. “What I’m most proud of is that Luke still has the self-drive and the belief to want to succeed for himself. He doesn’t take it for granted and he works exceptionally hard. “He’s got a long way to go, but I know that he can be a special player.” Luke is slated to make his PGA Tour debut next year, having received an exemption into the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. Comment now