Sign up for our daily newsletter
Latest news, reviews, analysis and opinion, plus unmissable deals for bunkered subscriptions, events, and our commercial partners.
• Players want injured Ian Poulter involved in 2016 Ryder Cup
• The Englishman has been ruled out of action for four months
• Rory McIlroy: “It would be weird not to have him there”
Injured Ian Poulter will be at this year’s Ryder Cup if the players get their way.
The 40-year-old Englishman was all but ruled out of the biennial match on Friday after news filtered through that he was set to miss four months with a foot injury.
In a statement, Ian Poulter said: “I am obviously disappointed to be in this situation, especially during a Ryder Cup year. Right now, rest and rehab take priority in me returning to full strength later this season. I look forward to resuming a full schedule as soon as I am able.”
The news sent shockwaves among European golfers playing in this week’s PGA Tour and European Tour events, with all of them keen to see Ian Poulter – a stalwart of five Ryder Cups and a record of 12-4-2 – involved in some shape or form.
CONTINUES BELOW…
“I do ,” said Rory McIlroy. “I think it would be weird not to have him there. If he can’t be there as one of the 12 playing, hopefully, he’s there as a vice-captain. He’s always good fun and good to be around in the team room and the locker room. I’d love to see him there as a vice captain.”
Henrik Stenson, who finished tied fourth at the Nordea Masters, added:
.@henrikstenson believes Poulter will be a vice-captain: “I wish him a speedy recovery + I’m sure he’ll be at Hazeltine in some capacity.”
— Phil Casey (@pcaseysafc) June 5, 2016
While Luke Donald, who missed out on playing at Gleneagles two years ago, told Golfweek: “I think he would have stepped up his game probably to even be picked, even with his record. You never doubt Poults, because he has such a strong mind. He probably would have played well the next three months and got himself on that team.
“It will be a bit of a loss for the Europeans. He brings a lot of energy and a lot he’ll get it done, no matter what. People feed off that.”
UPDATE: Ian Poulter was announced as Ryder Cup vice-captain on Monday morning. Read the full story here.
Ian Poulter :: Will he be a loss?
Do you think Ian Poulter will be a loss to Team Europe at the 2016 Ryder Cup on the playing front? Leave your thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section below.
ALL ABOUT THE MASTERS
More Reads
The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland
Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.
Find Courses