Top 5 Ian Poulter moments

After the news last week that Ian Poulter had lost his PGA Tour card, we look back on some of the magical moments that the Englishman has given us over the years. 

5 – Speed golf at the PLAYERS Championship:

Poulter has always been someone that has often drifted away from the norm of what a normal professional golfer is supposed to be. He’s never been afraid to speak his mind and show how he feels, and that was particularly the case at the 2011 PLAYERS Championship. With light fading in round three, Poulter really didn’t want to come back the following morning to finish off his round. So, in true Poulter fashion, he sprints the length of the 17^th hole, makes his par, and then sets off to the 18^th tee to ask the group in front to let him tee off. “I’m not sure of the etiquette of this” says Johnny Miller. Well, it’s never stopped Poults before, has it Johnny?

4 – 2014 Ryder Cup:

There were question marks over whether Poulter deserved his wildcard pick back at the 2014 Ryder Cup, with the Englishman completely devoid of any form. After being thrashed by Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed on day one, it looked as though Poulter would go on to have a forgettable Ryder Cup. That was until he made this beautiful chip on day two which would help him and teammate Rory McIlroy gain a half point against Jimmy Walker and Rickie Fowler.

3 – 2010 WGC Matchplay:

Poulter has arguably built his reputation over the years purely because of his scintillating performances in the Ryder Cup. Most people seem to forget that this is a player that has had a brilliant career, and even got to world number five at one stage. Winning 16 times as a professional, his biggest win to date was the WGC Matchplay in 2010 when he defeated compatriot Paul Casey in the final over 36 holes.

2 – 2008 Ryder Cup:

The 2008 Ryder Cup was one to forget for the Europeans, with USA ending the streak of three successive European victories. But this was to be the start of Ian Poulter’s stunning Ryder Cup record, winning four points out of a possible five to save Sir Nick Faldo’s side from a possible embarrassment. To Faldo’s credit, Poulter was one of his wildcard picks, perhaps allowing Poulter to go on to become a Ryder Cup legend. 

1 – 2012 Ryder Cup:

The 2012 Ryder Cup would prove to be Poulter’s best performance yet – winning all four matches. With Europe staring defeat in the face on Saturday afternoon, Poulter summoned his Ryder Cup magic to take down Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson alongside Rory McIlroy. This putt on 16, and the reaction that followed, would become one of the most iconic Ryder Cup memories. With Poulter galvanising his side, Europe came out on Sunday to claw back five points to spectacularly claim the Cup.

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Ian Poulter loses PGA Tour card