Ian Poulter struggles to contain emotions in his potential last ever Ryder Cup

Ryder Cup: Commentator says Rory McIlroy has been ‘scapegoat’

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An emotional Ian Poulter fought back the tears after potentially his final Ryder Cup appearance. Poulter, 45, endured a torrid first two days at Whistling Straits as he partnered Rory Mcllroy in two heavy defeats in the Friday foursomes and Saturday fourballs, but on Sunday kept his unbeaten singles run going by beating Tony Finau 3&2.

Afterwards Poulter, a veteran of seven Ryder Cups and a five-time winner with Europe, struggled to keep it together as he acknowledged the dominant display of the Americans, who eventually sealed a record breaking 19-9 victory.

“Congrats to Team USA. When you look at the points, they have outplayed us this week,” he told Sky Sports.

“They owned each of the sessions on Friday and Saturday, which isn’t something that has been the case. When you’re left with a mountain to climb, it’s always going to be tough. They played better than us all week, all credit to the US team. It was never going to be easy, with all US fans here.”

He also admitted his win over Finau, which took his singles record to six wins and a solitary halve, was of little consolation.

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He added: “It’s tough right. You put a point on the board and that’s all very nice but it doesn’t mean everything. I am unbeaten in singles, but this is a team week and it’s deflating.”

The Englishman has announced himself as a Ryder Cup hero in recent years, after a number of heroic performances, most notably the role he played in Europe’s win from the ‘Miracle at Medinah’ back in 2012.

As a result, Poulter has since earned the nickname ‘The Postman’ after constantly delivering for his team on the Ryder Cup team but this tough week at Whistling Straits could well be his last as a European player after seven appearances in blue and gold.

The 45-year-old addressed his playing future in the team event, commenting: “It is hard but we have a good young team. As a senior player in the team, you don’t really think there’s many more left.”

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With many speculating that the European legend’s playing career in the tournament could well be over, there is no doubt Poulter will feature at the Ryder Cup in the not too distant future either as a captain, or vice captain.

Ahead of this year’s event at Whistling Straits, ‘The Postman’ did discuss the idea of leading Europe into a Ryder Cup as skipper after setting his sights on the captaincy for 2025.

Poulter said: “If I’m in the position that I’m asked in 2025, obviously I would be thrilled and honoured to be in that position, But until that time comes where my phone rings and I’m asked, it’s a fairytale dream. 

“I can only say how amazing it truly would be. It would be an honour to have served Europe as a player and be asked to be captain.”

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