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Ian Poulter says Ryder Cup pressure greater than a major
Ian Poulter believes the pressure of representing Europe against the United States in the Ryder Cup far outweighs that of playing in a major.
The Englishman will play in the event for the fourth time when the sides meet at Medinah in Illinois next weekend.
Poulter's Ryder Cup record
- Events: 2004 (Oakland Hills, won); 2008 (Valhalla lost); 2010 (Celtic Manor won)
- Singles: Won 3
- Foursomes: Won 2, lost 1
- Fourballs: Won 3, lost 2
- Total points: 8 out of 11 (72.7%)
He told BBC Radio 5 live: "[You are] 1,000 times more nervous in the Ryder Cup than you would ever be in a major.
"To be there in a major you want to do it for yourself but you want to do it for so many more reasons in Ryder Cup."
The 36-year-old made his debut in the biennial clash in 2004 and was named as a captain's pick by Jose Maria Olazabal after failing to qualify automatically.
He has a terrific record in the competition, having collected eight points out of a possible 11 and is unbeaten in the singles.
He added: "There's no comparison between the pressure and nerves and excitement that you get in the Ryder Cup compared to any situation you play individually. It just means that much.
"You've got 11 other guys, captains and vice-captains; you've got Europe all watching you and wanting you to do well. That just adds a lot of extra pressure."
However, Poulter believes having Olazabal as team captain will be hugely beneficial for the team.
"Olly is going to be an incredible captain, someone who is inspirational," he stated.
"He said the right things at the right time as a vice-captain [in 2008 and 2010] and he's going to do an incredible job and say the right thing at the right time this time around.
"Jose has such an incredible Ryder Cup record with [fellow Spaniard] Seve [Ballesteros] and obviously Seve's not going to be there so it's going to be an emotional rollercoaster for him, but I think the players will rally up and do the best they can."
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Europe win eight of the 12 singles Ryder Cup matches to beat the USA 14½-13½ in Medinah, having been 10-4 down.
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Comment number 22.
BadBoyBoogie24th September 2012 - 20:57
A 1000 times more nervous ? whilst i admit there is pressure playing in a Ryder cup, you cant say its any more nerve racking than trying to win a major. greatness in golf is winning major's, not in having a decent Ryder cup record.
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Comment number 21.
AshleyB924th September 2012 - 16:29
The Ryder Cup is where players & Fans can actallu be very partisan to their own cause. Normally, the players and fans are following individual players, and seeing how they play, etc. rather than being in a "team" which is going head to head. You are either on one side or the other, thats the difference in the supporters mainly which is acknowledged by the players.
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Comment number 20.
Chris24th September 2012 - 16:24
9.Jupiter
"everybody knows Jack Nicklaus won 18 majors but how many Ryder Cups did he win? Nobody knows or cares."
....but big Jack's most memorable moment? In my view his concession of a put to Tony Jacklin to allow GB & I to tie the match.
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Comment number 19.
Gailywaily24th September 2012 - 15:50
@18
Why do all the top golfers want to play in the event then? Ask any of those who just missed out - both sides of the Atlantic - if they were disappointed not qualifying or not getting picked. I guarantee they all want to "play for their continent"!! Remember McIlroy's "exhibition" remarks from 2009. Once he'd played in it he couldn't wait for the next one!!
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Comment number 18.
john h king24th September 2012 - 13:05
Only some one who hasn't won a major would feel this.
The Ryder Cup is contrived and although always will be exciting contrived for TV and sponsors.
Major the true test of a champion - why would you feel excited playing for a continent!
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Comments 5 of 22