Ian Poulter Named European Ryder Cup Vice Captain
By Michael Shamburger
European Ryder Cup team captain Darren Clarke has picked none other than Ian Poulter to be a vice captain.
My initial reaction?
OH JOY!
Poulter is expected to miss the next four months due to “arthritic issues in his right foot.” This would normally be a good thing for the U.S. Ryder Cup team since Poulter has been a constant thorn in their side. His record in five Ryder Cup appearances speaks for itself; 12-4-2.
Poulter released the following statement:
"“Everyone who knows me knows how much the Ryder Cup means, having given me memories to savour over the past 12 years and created friendships that will last a lifetime. “Therefore when it became clear, given my current foot condition, that I would not be in a position to try and qualify for the team for a sixth time this year or indeed be able to justify a wild-card pick, I was truly honoured and delighted to be asked by Darren to be a vice-captain. “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 European player and to every European fan, either in the crowd or watching back home on television. “Darren shares that same passion and he knows I will be there to assist him and the 12 players who will line up at Hazeltine in any way I can. “We have a tremendous record in The Ryder Cup in recent times, having played with passion, desire and commitment. It is something we should be proud of and, rest assured, I will do everything in my power to maintain that intensity and help Europe’s quest to retain the trophy.”"
Even though the 40-year-old Poulter won’t be playing, he will be on the course following players around and could very easily be just as much of a distraction as he is with his fist pumping enthusiasm during play. Poulter joins Thomas Bjorn, Paul Lawrie, and Padraig Harrington as the European team’s vice captains.