Golf365 and Sporting Life - Ryder Cup

In typical style, Poulter's inclusion by Faldo is undoubtedly the talking point of the European side. The Englishman is never afraid to court controversy and did just that as he chose to skip the final qualifying event at Gleneagles, thus ending any chance he had of qualifying by right. His decision ruffled feathers amongst his peers and led some to speculate he had been "given the nod" by Faldo. Poulter's subsequent selection at the expense of Ryder Cup stalwart Darren Clarke did little to quell that talk, whilst causing more than a few raised eyebrows on both sides of the Atlantic, with the Englishman not having won on either the European or PGA Tour since 2006. However, Faldo is a confirmed admirer of Poulter's attitude and insisted the player's impressive final round charge at the Open Championship in July, where he eventually finished runner-up to Padraig Harrington, had done much to sway him. The 32-year-old was part of Europe's triumphant 2004 team at Oak Hill and managed one point from his two outings, that coming courtesy of a 3&2 win over Chris Riley in the singles. He has also represented Great Britain and Ireland in the Seve Trophy on two occasions (2003 & 2005) emerging triumphant both times and taking a total of five and a half points from his ten matches. Likely to be paired with close friend Justin Rose with whom he has played in both Seve Trophy and World Cup action, Poulter insists he will bring "excitement, passion and flair" to the event.