Poulter named Ryder Cup vice-captain

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 at Hazeltine in September.

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

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

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.

"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," said Poulter.

"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."

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.

"I picked Ian as a wild card for Europe's EurAsia Cup team in January and while he delivered on the golf course with three wins out of three, I also saw first-hand his influence off the golf course, especially amongst the younger players who were experiencing team match play golf for the first time. When he spoke, everyone listened, and the same will be the case at Hazeltine.

"I could not be happier with the way our backroom team is shaping up. To have announced players of the calibre and stature of Thomas Bjorn, Padraig Harrington and Paul Lawrie ten days ago and now to add Ian Poulter to that mix is tremendous, not just for me personally, but for the whole of Europe."