Ian Poulter proved he belonged at the Ryder Cup.
(Proforged/Flickr)
FOR ALL THE ABUSE Nick Faldo took for his captaincy of the losing European Ryder Cup team, there’s one decision even his harshest critics would have to give him credit for: Ian Poulter.
With Darren Clarke and Colin Montgomerie left on the sidelines, “Poults” was a controversial captain’s pick whose Ryder Cup play was as bold as his attire. Ian earned serious respect during Ryder Cup week, and he continues to impress. This past week he finished second to Henrik Stenson at the Players Championship, closing with a 70 on a dicey TPC Sawgrass setup.
“If I ever get happy with myself for finishing 12th or 15th, someone needs to put my [Cobra] clubs away and I’ll take up tiddlywinks,” Poulter has been quoted as saying.
Many observers of the game (including me) thought Ian had gotten too big for his pink britches when 14 months ago he told Golf World (UK), “Don’t get me wrong, I really respect every professional golfer, but I know I haven’t played to my full potential and when that happens, it will be just me and Tiger.”
OK, it will probably never be “just” Ian and Tiger. But Poulter took his heaping helping of scorn and then went out and finished second in The Open Championship and played as well as anyone on either team in the Ryder Cup.
I expect Poults to win on the PGA Tour, and will not be surprised if he bags a major. I never expected to say this, but I’m an Ian Poulter fan. I like his attitude and the way he plays the game.
Poulter File
Turned pro: 1995
Birthplace: Hitchin, England
College: Barclay School
World ranking: 18
European Tour wins: 7
PGA Tour wins: 0
Equipment: Cobra
−The Armchair Golfer
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Agree with your analysis on Poulter. As Trevino said, “It ain’t bragging if you can do it.” I like his style and his game.
Super confidence is key to success. Poulter was just exhibiting that when he talked the ‘me and Tiger’ smack.
The game would be ridiculously boring were it not for the likes of Poulter, Sergio and other ‘gee they’re soooo nice’ personas.
Good post.
Hack & Lancer are 100% right.
Plus, Ian has the game. I will not make projections, because it is the curse of sudden death for those I select, but Ian should bust through and win some decent tournaments.
I’m totally on board with Poulter. Became a huge fan after the Ryder Cup last year!
Looks like we should start a Bloggers Applauding Poulter (BAP) group. I’m on board too. Besides his undeniable style and pink sunglasses, he seems like a cool guy.
I loved how he handled the 17th on Sunday. You would have thought he and Brain Davis were playing a “best ball” game at the local course. It was fun to watch. They both seemed almost giddy after finding dry land.