Ian Poulter lives and breathes the Ryder Cup. His performances in the biennial match have defined his career and made him a hero for Europeans – and a villain for many Americans. He’s been an integral part of Team Europe for nearly two decades and the star of many of the incredible moments that have lit up the event in that time. The Englishman’s passion and energy inspire teammates and fans alike, and he always delivers when his continent needs him. Here, ‘The Postman’ discusses his amazing journey in the Ryder Cup...
Why do you think you’ve performed so well in the Ryder Cup?
One of my biggest memories is going to the Ryder Cup as a 15-year-old and really loving what it meant from a fan perspective. Being a kid who loved sport, and team sport, I absolutely loved the team atmosphere. I just said to myself ‘I need to make this Ryder Cup team, I want to be a Ryder Cup player, I want to be inside the ropes. I don’t want to be watching it from outside. I want to make it something I enjoy, I love, and I do to the best of my ability’. That’s really how I look back upon what took me to wanting to be a Ryder Cup player.
Your first match was a fourball alongside Darren Clarke against Tiger Woods and Chris Riley in 2004. What was it like starting off against Tiger in America?
I was extremely nervous. Bernhard Langer asking us to sit out the Friday was difficult and just built the anxiety, so when it was time to go and play, it happened to be against Tiger and Chris. Obviously that was going to be a very tough match for me.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Is it Time for the Presidents Cup to Be Scrapped? - The next instalment of the USA v Internationals match takes place in Canada at the end of September. But should the one-sided affair continue?
The next instalment of the USA v Internationals match takes place in Canada at the end of September. But should the one-sided affair continue? Why would anyone even suggest such a drastic course of action? It may sound harsh, but since the inaugural event in 1994, the International team has managed just one victory and one tie while the American team has won 12 times, including nine straight from 2005. It is 26 years since the International team's solitary success in 1998 at Royal Melbourne under the captaincy of the late Peter Thomson.
Surprise packages
Jeremy Ellwood looks back on some of the more unusual golfing countries he has visited during his 20+ years writing for Golf Monthly
TAKE YOUR IRON GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL
The key to good iron play is finding the right low point in your swing. Here's how to do it...
How to organise the perfect golf day
Golf Monthly's guide to arranging and running a memorable and successful event
A LEGEND
Michael Weston makes a pilgrimage to Pedrena in Spain to visit Seve's family home and talk about his life and legacy with his children
"THESE ARE THE MOMENTS I LIVE FOR"
Alison Root sits down for a chat with Anna Nordqvist, the three-time Major Champion and first playing assistant captain in Solheim Cup history
SCALING NEW HEIGHTS
The Solheim Cup seems to grow in significance and excitement with every staging, and this year's encounter in Virginia promises to be no exception...
STOKE PARK
I never expected to write about Stoke Park again after its closure in 2021, but it seems reports of its death have been greatly exaggerated.
PEAK AT THE OF HIS POWERS
Scottie Scheffler is a remarkable golfer who is well on his way to becoming an all-time great. Michael Weston analyses his accomplishments and explores his life to date...
TaylorMade P7CB and P770 irons from £179 per club
Adding to an extremely strong 2024 product line-up, TaylorMade has launched its latest irons in the successful P-Series - the P7CB and the P770.
