Poulter named Ryder Cup vice-captain

Omnisports 02:13 - 03 June 2016

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Ian Poulter has been named as European Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke's fourth vice-captain for the eagerly-awaited contest against the United States

Ian Poulter has been named as European Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke's fourth vice-captain for the eagerly awaited contest against the United States in September at Hazeltine in Minnesota.

The 40-year-old Englishman has ruled himself out of competing in the biennial tournament for a sixth time due to a foot injury that is expected to keep him out for four months.

Poulter has been the scourge of the USA over the years, taking 13 points from 18 Ryder Cup matches, and the flamboyant Europe stalwart is determined to play his part in another success Stateside.

Clarke will instead use Poulter's infectious competitive spirit in a vice-captain role when Europe attempt to win a fourth successive Ryder Cup.

"Everyone who knows me knows how much The Ryder Cup means, having given me memories to savor over the past 12 years and created friendships that will last a lifetime," Poulter said. "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 honored 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."

Padraig Harrington, Thomas Bjorn and Paul Lawrie have already been named as vice-captains to Clarke.

Northern Irishman Clarke said: "I am absolutely delighted to name Ian as my fourth vice-captain for the match at Hazeltine. Ian's Ryder Cup record speaks for itself and stands comparison with anyone in the history of this great contest. It goes without saying what a vital presence he will be in our team room come September."