Ian Poulter, 49, was previously considered a strong candidate to either join Team Europe’s roster or potentially serve as captain alongside Luke Donald for the 2025 Ryder Cup.
However, the English golfer, currently playing in LIV Golf found himself exiled from Bethpage Black despite boasting five Ryder Cup victories on his impressive record.
Nevertheless, Poulter posted on X Sunday night to praise the Europeans for withstanding a fierce American comeback to claim their first Ryder Cup victory on US soil since 2012, during which Scottie Scheffler’s wealthy caddie took action before the final day following a tense confrontation.
Poulter’s response followed his harsh criticism of American spectators leading up to the competition.
“What a win in the hardest of places. Huge congratulations to [Team Europe] and [Luke Donald] and the Team. Amazing golf under those conditions,” he posted.
The Americans kicked off Sunday with victories from Cameron Young, Xander Schauffele, and Justin Thomas before Ludvig Aberg claimed a crucial point to halt their surge.
Subsequently, Shane Lowry delivered a pressure-packed six-foot birdie on the 18th hole to force a tie with Russell Henley and guarantee the Europeans would retain their crown at minimum.
Poulter contributed to Team Europe’s championship runs in 2004, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2018 (along with finishing second in 2009 and 2021).
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At one stage, he appeared destined to be appointed team captain. He made the switch to LIV Golf in 2021 and was immediately banned by the DP Tour. Jon Rahm and Tyrell Hatton found themselves in identical circumstances, but they managed to settle fines and participate in select DP Tour events annually to retain membership and compete in the Ryder Cup.
Poulter is also a shadow of his former self: he secured top 20 finishes just twice on the LIV circuit in 2025, and never once cracked the top 10.
Speaking on the Dan On Golf Podcast, Poulter confessed he believes he deserved better treatment. “I will say it as simply as this, Jon and Tyrrell play golf on LIV Golf. They are still widely accepted into the Ryder Cup family, and some others aren’t,” he said.
“Is it frustrating? Yeah, of course, it’s very frustrating, but I’m very hopeful, one day we can still be kind of helpful to, to Team Europe….-You cut me in half and I bleed and yellow.
“I have been there at a lot of Ryder Cups, and there is nothing I love more than representing Europe. So to not be part of it, it hurts. We are hopeful one day that might change.”
