Ian Poulter's impressive Ryder Cup record

03 June 2016 02:53

Ian Poulter has been on the winning side in four of his five Ryder Cup appearances, as well as being the leading points scorer in Europe's last defeat at Valhalla in 2008.

Here, Press Association Sport takes a closer look at the 40-year-old's impressive record in the biennial contest.

Oakland Hills, 2004

Poulter qualified automatically for his debut in Michigan but was used sparingly by European captain Bernhard Langer, losing in partnership with 2016 skipper Darren Clarke to Tiger Woods and Chris Riley in the Saturday fourballs. However, he did get off the mark by beating Riley 3&2 in the singles as the visitors cruised to a record victory.

P2 W1 L1

Valhalla, 2008

Poulter fully justified his selection as a wild card by captain Nick Faldo by bouncing back from an opening session defeat to win his remaining four matches, combining twice with Justin Rose and then with Graeme McDowell before defeating Steve Stricker in the singles.

P5 W4 L1

Celtic Manor, 2010

An opening defeat with Ross Fisher was followed by wins alongside Luke Donald and Martin Kaymer as the format had to be rejigged due to the bad weather in Wales. Poulter then earnt his nickname of 'The Postman' after famously promising to deliver a point in the singles, duly beating Matt Kuchar 5&4.

P4 W3 L1

Medinah, 2012

Poulter and Rose combined for two rare European wins in the foursomes, but it was in the Saturday afternoon fourballs where Poulter truly shone, closing with five birdies in a row alongside Rory McIlroy to beat Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson and spark the 'Miracle at Medinah'. Victory over Webb Simpson maintained his 100 per cent singles record.

P4 W4

Gleneagles, 2014

A 5&4 fourballs defeat in partnership with Stephen Gallacher was Poulter's heaviest in the Ryder Cup and he and McIlroy could only manage a half with Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker on Saturday. The perfect singles record also ended due a to a half with Simpson.

P3 W0 L1 H2

Total: P18 W12 L4 H2

Source: PA