1:53 PM PT -- Poulter spoke with TMZ Sports about the infamous toot ... and the dude's got jokes!!
"I guess it's one way to protect social distancing!" Poulter said.
HILARIOUS!!!
Poulter also told us he can't guarantee this will be the last time a camera catches him farting on the course ... although he did say he'd try to be more careful about it next time.
CALL OFF THE FART PROBE -- Ian Poulter is admitting guilt!
The pro golfer has essentially copped to ripping a tremendous ass blast during a televised golf tourney this weekend ... and yeah, the video is just as hilarious as it sounds!
Grip it and rip it, @IanJamesPoulter.
— Skratch (@Skratch) June 28, 2020
(Sound way up) pic.twitter.com/LyFHSIH8uz
It all went down Sunday at the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands in Connecticut ... when the camera was focused on golfer Greg Chalmers.
But, after Chalmers took his swing ... viewers could hear what sounds like a duck being slaughtered -- which turned out to be a big ol' fart.
So, who was the culprit?
Poulter took credit almost immediately -- saying on camera, "Did you get that?"
Chalmers responds, "Stay over there. Is that supposed to be more silent than that?!"
Poulter later commented on social media -- taking full ownership.
"3 club wind this morning on the first tee. Always beware of the live mic."
He also clowned Chalmers -- saying, "The best bit everyone thinks it was you."
Originally published -- 6:38 AM PT