Poulter’s Special Delivery

POSTMAN Ian Poulter will begin his bid to deliver one of the “nine golden tickets” to the next Ryder Cup at the BMW PGA. And the European legend is also knocking on the door to be the captain in 2024.

The Florida-based star celebrated his nickname at last September’s Paris victory over the Americans by wearing a postbox.

Now his route to Whistling Straits – and a seventh Ryder Cup appearance – starts with the first qualifying event in the rejigged schedule at Wentworth this week.

“I would love to be part of another team – I think I have got some life left in these legs,” said Poulter, who is dubbed the Postman because he always delivers his points.

“I am 43 – not 23 – and I am through most of the

Ryder Cup playing years but

I think I can certainly play another one and hopefully another two. It is a really big part of my life to make the commitment and try to make that team. It is important to me.

“I had a wildcard last time so obviously I want get in a position where you can auto-qualify with one of the nine golden tickets.

“The priority for me is to make sure I am one of those nine.”

Padraig Harrington (inset) will be captain in Wisconsin, while Lee Westwood wants the Italian job in Rome in 2022.

That would leave Europe to fight fire with fire by appointing Poulter at manic Bethpage Black, where the New York fans will whip up an amazing atmosphere.

“I feel it is a definite possibility,” said the DP World global ambassador.

“I would be 48 and I think being 48 is young enough but also old enough – I think it is a good balance.

“I feel the venue would be a good one. It is going to be loud, it is going to be raucous, it is going to be very difficult from the perspective of managing all of that.

“But if the opportunity were there, I would relish it and I would love it.”

But the Poulter Ryder Cup story might not end there.

His 15-year-old son Luke got a close-up view of his dad’s heroics in France and wants to turn pro.

“To have that opportunity to share that with him, who absolutely loves the game of golf, it has been very, very special,” said the world No.32.

“If that has given him the buzz that he has got today and feel that he wants to grow into a great golfer, then that is fantastic. I am going to support that all the way. I would love to see him pull on a European shirt. That would be pretty special.”

Poulter has also targeted claiming the crown of European No.1 for the first time at the DP World Tour Championship in November.

The top 50 players will compete for the US$3m first prize – while for the first time the event will feature the EDGA (European Disabled Golf Association) Dubai Finale.

“It is such a huge event – to finish No.1 would be absolutely amazing,” he said.