Ian Poulter makes two HUGE Ryder Cup claims
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He was known as ‘The Postman’ because he always delivered for Team Europe. And Ian Poulter doesn’t believe his Ryder Cup days are behind him just yet…
Despite resigning his DP World Tour membership back in May of 2023, Ian Poulter has not given up hope of one day becoming a European Ryder Cup captain.
Poulter was among several European golfers who defected from the traditional tours to the breakaway league in 2022 and received sanctions for playing in LIV events without permission.
Rather than continue racking up fines, the likes of Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia all decided to give up their membership on what was formerly the European Tour.
Given their history in the event, the trio would have almost certainly been in line for future captaincy, but unless the Tour changes its rules, those hopes ended with their resignations.
Despite the controversy around its inception, there is now less opposition to LIV Golf, so much so that three players on the breakaway league’s roster will be teeing it up in this week’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
Crushers GC captain Bryson DeChambeau will be back in the red, white and blue of Team USA, while Legion XIII’s Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton are part of Luke Donald’s European side.
And Poulter is optimistic that one day he can be accepted back into the fold.
In an Instagram Q&A, The Postman was asked if he thought he would be a Ryder Cup captain in the future.
“Good question. Time will tell if we get accepted into the Ryder Cup family again like Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm,” Poulter said. “I’d love to one day.”
In a follow-up, Poulter was asked if he regretted sacrificing possible Ryder Cup captaincy to join LIV.
“I didn’t give anything up joining LIV,” the Englishman responded. “Some LIV golfers are allowed to play in the Ryder Cup. Long story, too long to write on here.”
Poulter played in seven Ryder Cups, making a name for himself in the biennial dust-up. He was part of five winning sides and inspired the iconic Miracle at Medinah comeback when Europe recovered from 10-4 down to win 14.5-13.5.
That was the last time a side won on foreign soil, but Poulter is backing Europe to score a big upset this week in front of the New York fans at Bethpage.
“I have Europe winning a very tight match late on Sunday,” he added. “The US team have big home field advantage, and the fans will play a part. But I feel the 11 Europeans who have played last time in Italy will be the deciding factor over four rookies on the US team.”
And what about his score prediction?
“14.5-13.5.”
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Ian Poulter still harbors hopes of being European Ryder Cup captain one day.
