Captain Clarke hints that Poulter and
Westwood will be part of Ryder Cup team
FROM GOLF DIGEST
Following
his European team's dominant performance at the EurAsia Cup, captain Darren
Clarke strongly hinted that Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood would, in some
capacity, be at this year's Ryder Cup (September 30 to October 2).
"What
Lee and Poults have brought to the team room has been priceless," said
Clarke. "All of the young kids have listened to them, they've all learnt
from them and I think it's been a hugely beneficial week."
Considering
the duo's sterling Ryder Cup records -- Westwood has played in nine
events and is two points away from Nick Faldo's points record, Poulter
owns 13 points in 18 matches -- perhaps that sentiment seems like a
given.
However, both
Westwood and Poulter struggled in 2015, with Westwood posting just one
top 10 in 15 US PGA Tour events and Poulter -- after a strong spring --
faltering in the summer, missing cuts at the U.S. and British Opens.
Even
to make the EurAsia Cup, Westwood and Poulter were captain's picks, and
perhaps benefited from Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson
choosing not to participate in the event.
But
Westwood and Poulter made the most of their opportunity, going
undefeated at the EurAsia Cup and accounting for six of the team's 18
1/2 points.
Moreover, many of their fellow Europeans seemed to
appreciate and value their leadership; Andy Sullivan tweeted out the two
were "inspirational" in team meetings.
"The
scoreboard was flattering, but these boys played some sensational golf
throughout the tournament," Clarke continued. "They bonded as a team and
as pairings, and as a captain I couldn't have asked for more from them.
These were some of the best players in the world who wanted to be here
and they showed it."
This year's Ryder Cup is at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minneapolis.
Labels: RYDER CUP
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