• Ryder Cup

Poults confident for Ryder Cup challenge

ESPN staff
July 5, 2012
Ian Poulter is looking to find form and press his Ryder Cup claims © PA Photos
Enlarge

Ian Poulter is unfazed by the resurgence of American golf with the Ryder Cup on the horizon.

Europe has held sway in recent years, winning four of the last five renewals. At Celtic Manor two years ago, Europe captain Colin Montgomerie had a strong hand in terms of ranking positions. Six months ago, it appeared his successor Jose Maria Olazabal would be in an even stronger position but American players have hit back in some style.

Tiger Woods has won three of his last seven events to climb to No. 4 in the world, while Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson claimed the opening two majors of the year.

With America now holding six of the top ten places in the world, momentum is gathering behind their challenge for Medinah. But Europe stalwart Poulter is calm about the apparent shift in the balance of power.

He said: "They can always say that, but we have had the upper hand when we were not the favourites. I guess we have had that upper hand for a number of years and hopefully it will stay that way."

Poulter's form has been disappointing this year, but he claims the signs are promising with the Open a couple of weeks away.

"I am in good form," he told Sky Sports News. "I've had a nice week off trying to get back on UK time. I am in good form, looking forward to the French Open which will be good preparation leading in to the Open."

Poulter feels Woods is the man to beat at Royal Lytham. He said: "He has now won three of the last seven events, so he is looking ominous for the Open. He is now down as favourite and getting back to where he wants to be. He looks like the man to beat again."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close