Surprise Macao Open leader Ian Poulter defends Ryder Cup structure despite Hazeltine defeat
The flamboyant Englishman cards a stunning first round seven-under 64 at Macau Golf & Country Club in his first competitive outing for four and a half months
Flamboyant Englishman Ian Poulter defended Europe’s Ryder Cup structure on Thursday, saying no tinkering was needed to wrest back the trophy in France in 2018.
With debate still simmering after Darren Clarke’s team were “played off the park” by the Americans at Hazeltine, Poulter said Europe had dominated for 20 years and change was not necessary.
“I think we have quite a nice set-up, thank you,” said Poulter as he announced his comeback to competitive golf with a stunning seven-under 64 to share the lead on the first day of the Venetian Macao Open.
“They have [only] held it twice in the past 21 years before this last time.”
Former great Tony Jacklin called for tweaks to the European Tour qualification rules and also questioned Clarke’s player selection.
Poulter, the lifeblood of Europe’s Ryder Cup heroics especially the Miracle at Medinah in 2012, was one of Clarke’s lieutenants at Hazeltine and was part of the decision-making process.
