CHEESY DOES IT!
BUT POULTER WARNS AMERICANS CHARM OFFENSIVE ENDS TOMORROW
IAN POULTER insists it will be business as usual when the Ryder Cup starts tomorrow, as Europe’s chest-thumping talisman will again aim to inspire his team to a famous victory.
Poulter and his team-mates were firmly on the charm offensive yesterday, wearing the colours of NFL team the Green Bay Packers, who are based an hour away from Whistling Straits.
They also wore foam ‘cheeseheads’ – the nickname for Packers fans – before throwing them into the delighted home galleries.
But Poulter knows the important business starts tomorrow as Padraig Harrington’s team aim to defy the odds and defend their trophy.
Asked if he sensed his passion and success in the Ryder Cup had annoyed the people he has beaten, Poulter said: ‘I’m sure I’ve annoyed plenty. My (winning) percentage has been really nice, for me, and not for the guys I’ve played against, so I’m sure that’s been pretty frustrating to be on the receiving end of.
‘It feels nice. I enjoy holing putts and winning matches. It’s been a great ride. I’m never going to apologise for it. It’s how match play should be played.’ US captain Steve Stricker expects a ‘rowdy’ atmosphere when play gets under way, but has called for fans to respect the Europeans.
Stricker admitted some of the fan behaviour at Hazeltine in 2016 ‘crossed the line’ but Poulter has been very happy with his hosts to date.
‘The US fans have been brilliant so far,’ he added. ‘They’re wishing me well. Not too well, but they’re wishing me well, which is quite nice. That hasn’t always been the case.’