Ian Poulter breaks down in tears on what could be last Ryder Cup appearance as he makes history with singles win
IAN POULTER broke down in tears after potentially waving goodbye to the Ryder Cup.
The Postman delivered once again in the singles with a 3&2 victory over in-form Tony Finau.
It means he has kept his unbeaten record from his SEVEN one-on-one matches in the Sunday solos – winning six and tying one.
After securing today’s victory on the 16th green, he was visibly emotional – wiping away tears and then sitting on his haunches.
At 45, Poulter is not expected to play in the Ryder Cup in two years’ time in Rome.
The captain’s pick said: “We have got a good young team of players who are going to take this forward for many years and as a senior player in the team, you don’t really think there are many more left.
“I wanted to come here this week and give everything but the first two days I didn’t manage to do anything.
“Today was to give something back. You just don’t know if you get the opportunity to come back again.”
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Poulter added: “It’s tough right? All credit to the US team. They’ve played better golf this week, holed putts and made it extremely difficult.
“We didn’t have it this week. Winning today was nice to take something from the week. It’s a helpless feeling.
“Sticking a point on the board is nice from a personal feeling but it’s no consolation. We’ll saddle up and see if we can go again in Italy.
“The crowd are extremely partisan like they should be. They have home support and they used that to their advantage.
“There are always a few. There are certain points in matches where you need a little bit of quiet to do your job. There are always going to be a couple who have had one too many.”
Despite Poulter’s impressive win, it was too little, too late for Team Europe as they were already comprehensively beaten.
Collin Morikawa, The Open champion, sealed the half-point against Viktor Hovland which confirmed USA as winners at Whistling Straits.
The hosts went into the final day 11-5 ahead and knowing they needed just three-and-a-half points to regain the trophy.
LOST HIS BAWL
Poulter’s tears were not the only waterworks from the European side on Sunday.
Rory McIlroy went out first against Xander Schauffele looking to pick up his first point of a difficult weekend.
He put in a stronger display to win 3&2 – and could not help but let it all out in his TV interview.
Apologetic McIlroy said: “I should have done more for them [my team-mates] this week.
“I’m glad I put a point on the board but I can’t wait to get another shot at this.
“It is by far the best experience in golf and I hope little boys and girls watching this today aspire to play in the event or the Solheim Cup, because there’s nothing better than being part of a team.
“No matter what happens I’m proud of every player, our captain and vice-captains.
“I wish I could have given more. I’m glad I got a point but it’s been a tough week.”