Abu Dhabi: Ryder Cup legends Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter, who have made a combined 14 appearances at the biennial event, are harbouring two very different ambitions at this year’s extravaganza between the United States and Europe.
For while 42-year-old Westwood will be bidding to surpass Sir Nick Faldo’s points record for Europe of 25 if selected for his 10th tournament – he is only two behind – Poulter is merely focused on making his sixth continental appearance.
Like his English compatriot, the 40-year-old does not currently meet the criteria required to make the 12-strong team as one of the nine automatic selections.
He is currently 55th in the world rankings and, unless he improves, would have to hope to be one of Darren Clarke’s three captain’s picks.
However, given Poulter’s talismanic influence in past Ryder Cups – his electrifying putting and feral roars on the greens have inspired four victories from five outings – surely this is assured.
Not so, Poulter, who has scored 13 points for Europe out of a possible 18 and who is unbeaten in in five singles matches since his debut in 2004, insisted.
“Yes,” he replied emphatically, when asked by Gulf News at last month’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship if he expected to make the team.
Had Clarke given him assurances that he would be a captain’s pick if he missed out on automatic selection?
“That would be very unprofessional of him. You can’t predict what might happen in nine months’ time.
“I don’t want to be a pick. I want to be on the side on merit to allow Darren to be able to pick whoever he wants to pick.”
The world number 52 Westwood, meanwhile, has set his sights on a far loftier goal.
“Obviously you want as many records as you can get. When you consider all the great players who have played in the Ryder Cup for Europe, I passed Seve [Ballesteros] at the last one, Bernhard Langer and Nick is in front of me, so it would be great to be at the top of the list.
“It’s always about the team performance; I’ve been on seven winning teams out of nine sides. But you do look at your individual records with pride.”
