Whether it be his incredible performance at Medinah in the Saturday afternoon fourball matches or marauding around Le Golf National in a post box costume, Ian Poulter and The Ryder Cup are a match made in heaven.
A match that was made 44 years ago when Poulter was born in Herfordshire, England.
Known as ‘Mr Ryder Cup’ and ’The Postman’ – because he always delivers at The Ryder Cup – it is hard to pick a single highlight from the Englishman’s six appearances on Team Europe.
Wearing Team Europe’s colours, Poulter has been on the winning side five times and remains unbeaten in singles matches.
Another day, another legend's birthday 🎂
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) January 10, 2020
Happy Birthday, @IanJamesPoulter 📮 pic.twitter.com/SernbBOf29
He has won 14 of his 22 matches and, arguably, his four victories from four matches in 2012 were key in Europe’s historical comeback known as the Miracle of Medinah.
The stand-out match in 2012?
His Saturday afternoon fourball match alongside Rory McIlroy of course.
The duo were two down with six holes to play before Poulter produced a heroic finish with five consecutive birdies to earn the point that would give the team the belief they could go on to retain the cup.
The raw passion and emotion in Poulter’s celebration was clear for all to see.
Don't stop delivering 📮 @IanJamesPoulter pic.twitter.com/Ngigb6N9UW
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) January 10, 2020
Fast forward six years to the 44-year-old’s most recent appearance for Team Europe and you will find the Englishman delivering once again.
One of Thomas Bjørn’s Captain’s Picks, Poulter secured two points from a possible four and maintained his unbeaten singles record after a stellar victory against the USA’s Dustin Johnson – who had won three times on the PGA Tour that year and also went into last year’s Ryder Cup unbeaten in singles.
Cue Poulter being handed a post box fancy dress costume from the crowd as he celebrated Europe’s 17½ - 10½ thrashing of Team USA.
With a points percentage return of 68% across his six appearances combined with great form in the run up to the event, it is clear to see why Poulter was in the forefront of Bjørn’s mind when making his wildcard selections.
However, when you consider the fact two of Poulter’s 12 European Tour victories have come at match play events, it comes as no surprise to see the Englishman excel at The Ryder Cup.
The first of these match play victories came at the 2010 WGC-Accenture Match Play followed by a Volvo World Match Play Championship victory a year later.
Happy birthday, Ian, and here’s to more years of delivering for Team Europe.