MEDINAH, Ill. – Maybe Jose Maria Olazabal was correct after all.
The European captain said Saturday evening that the Ryder Cup should erect a statue in Ian Poulter’s honor because he closed Saturday’s fourball match with five consecutive birdies.
The epic performance was impressive then. It was even more impressive 24 hours later after Europe made an improbable comeback to stun the American’s 14 1/2 to 13 1/2 and win the Ryder Cup.
Ultimately Poulter added a singles victory to his already perfect record to end the week 4-0 to easily make him the man of the match.
Europe was down and out late Saturday with the U.S. holding a commanding 10-4 lead. Sergio Garcia and Luke Donald held off Steve Stricker and Tiger Woods before Poulter and Rory McIlroy beat Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson with the help of Poulter’s birdie barrage.
Poulter completed a perfect performance Sunday with a 2-up singles victory over Webb Simpson in the day’s second match, one that was part of a clean sweep for Europe among the firstfive matches.
“I love this format, I love this team, everything about it,” Poulter said. “I’ve got Seve (Ballesteros) on my arm, Seve on the bag, we’ve got Ollie. It’s pretty special.”
In four Ryder Cup appearances Poulter’s career record has reached an astounding 12-3.
-
Tags: Ryder Cup, Ian Poulter
Related Articles
Poulter: McGinley has 'big advantage' over Watson
by Ryan Lavner | Feb 14, 2013 11:25 AM ETMight the decision to select Tom Watson as Ryder Cup captain actually put the U.S. team at a disadvantage? Ian Poulter thinks so. Read More
Poulter: Euros knew a comeback was possible
by Ryan Lavner | Oct 2, 2012 9:05 AM ETThe European Ryder Cup team, and star Ian Poulter, never ruled out an incredible comeback at Medinah. Read More
Poulter keeps Euros in it with clutch putting
by Jay Coffin | Sep 29, 2012 10:00 PM ETIan Poulter has single handedly kept Europe in this Ryder Cup. He’s the only man on his team to collect a perfect 3-0 record. Read More
Coffin has been editorial director since 2008 and is a contributor to the "Grey Goose 19th Hole."
Latest News
- Tiger out of AT&T with elbow injury | Timeline
- Woods, McIlroy to play in Dubai Jan. 2014
- Rose highlights Travelers | Groups | Tee times
- Fantasy: Travelers Championship rankings, picks
- Rose media tour | 'Top 10' | 'Today' | 'Dan Patrick'
- Punch Shot: Will Mickelson ever win an Open?
- Li, 10, in Publinx match play | Nine-year-old's 58
- Grill Room: Seinfeld tells golf jokes on 'Late Night'
- Nike signs No. 1 am | Deere invite for Spieth
- Obama mentions Rory in Belfast speech
- Stock watch: Buying the champ, selling runner-up
- Weekly Fix: Finding the right tempo and path
