Ian Poulter appointed Europe's Ryder Cup vice-captain

06 June 2016 09:23

Ian Poulter has been appointed as a vice-captain for the Ryder Cup at Hazeltine after a foot injury ended his chances of qualifying for the team.

European captain Darren Clarke named Thomas Bjorn, Paul Lawrie and Padraig Harrington as vice-captains last week and has now added Poulter to his backroom team.

Poulter, who is expected to be sidelined for four months, said in a statement: " Everyone who knows me knows how much the Ryder Cup means, having given me memories to savour over the past 12 years and created friendships that will last a lifetime.

"Therefore when it became clear, given my current foot condition, that I would not be in a position to try and qualify for the team for a sixth time this year or indeed be able to justify a wild-card pick, I was truly honoured and delighted to be asked by Darren to be a vice-captain.

"The best moments of my career have come when I have been wearing the blue and gold crest of Europe on my chest, knowing at the same time that the contest means so much to every European player and to every European fan, either in the crowd or watching back home on television.

"Darren shares that same passion and he knows I will be there to assist him and the 12 players who will line up at Hazeltine in any way I can.

"We have a tremendous record in The Ryder Cup in recent times, having played with passion, desire and commitment. It is something we should be proud of and, rest assured, I will do everything in my power to maintain that intensity and help Europe's quest to retain the trophy."

Source: PA