POUL: I NEED A PUSH

Hero of Medinah off to a flyer in bid to seal Ryder Cup slot

IAN POULTER wants to seal his Ryder Cup spot early this weekend after arriving late at the last Major of the year.

The world No.31 only pitched up in St Louis on Wednesday after spending the start of the week at his Florida home.

But after playing only nine practice holes, Poulter shot a 67 to trail his playing partner and clubhouse leader Rickie Fowler by just two shots.

The hero of Medinah is 10th in the Ryder Cup rankings and his form this season has put forward a strong case to get a wildcard from Europe captain Thomas Bjorn (below).

Poulter has one more event after the US PGA to force his way into the top eight but wants to get the job done here.

“I’m close, but I need a push,” he said. “I could have got it done last weekend at the Wgcbridgestone Invitational.

“That’s why I’m a little frustrated I didn’t, but I think I can squeeze in if I play well here. If I can have a strong week in New Jersey as well and edge in, it would be fantastic.”

After his final round 74 in Akron at the end of five consecutive tournaments, Poulter headed back to his Florida base for the first time since May 20 – and stayed until Wednesday morning.

“I have never arrived the day before a Major before,” he said.

“But I saw the weather forecast and the storm possibilities on Tuesday, and Katie and the kids were arriving home at 5pm on Tuesday from England.

“So for me it made sense to go home. It was good to get back, have a rest, unpack, fill the fridge full of food, and a couple of nights sleep in my own bed and come up early Wednesday morning. It has worked so far.”

Masters runner-up Fowler took inspiration from the late Jarrod Lyle as he switched his shirt to yellow to remember the Australian – and shot a superb 65 in the sweltering heat.

Lyle passed away this week after a long battle with leukaemia with many players wearing yellow cancer ribbons.

Shane Lowry led the Irish challenge with a one under par round of 69, that included three birdies and two bogeys.

Rory Mcilroy was one further back after a steady round of 14 pars, two birdies and two bogeys, while Padraig Harrington shot a 71 that included two birdies.

Paul Dunne was three over par after a 73.