English golfer
Ian Poulter has been named a Vice-Captain for
Darren Clarke’s 2016 Ryder Cup Team.
The announcement on Monday came after Poulter was effectively ruled out of the 12-man squad because of injury. Last week the Titleist player announced he was taking four months off due to an arthritic right foot. Leaving the 40-year-old little chance of qualifying for this year’s Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National in Minnesota.
Knowing he would be unable to earn a spot and would also be a very unlikely wild card pick, Poulter was thrilled to accept the offer to be Clarke’s fourth Vice-Captain, joining Thomas Bjorn, Padraig Harrington and Scotland’s Paul Lawrie.
Poulter has been an integral member of five Ryder Cups teams, four of which were winners. In 2012 he charged up a European side that were going into the final day losing 10-6 but would eventually come out victorious over the Americans 14 ½ to 13 ½. The Englishman’s flare and competitive spirit are perfect for a team event and Poulter has always been very vocal about his love for the Ryder Cup.
On Monday he told reporters, “The best moments of my career have come when I have been wearing the blue and gold crest of Europe on my chest, knowing at the same time that the contest means so much to every player and fan.” Adding, “It is something we should be proud of and I will do everything in my power to maintain that intensity and help Europe’s quest to retain the trophy.”
