Poulter: I would love to skipper Europe at some stage in future
RYDER Cup star Ian Poulter admits to having an eye on captaining Europe one day but has backed Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke to take the reins on American soil in 2016.
Poulter is notorious for his heroic showings in the biennial event, which ensured his selection for this year’s tournament as one of skipper Paul McGinley’s wildcard selections.
The 38-year-old secured his fourth Ryder Cup victory in five appearances at Gleneagles in September and while captaincy has flickered on his radar, Poulter insists there is plenty of mileage remaining in his role as the United States’ chief tormentor. “If I was ever asked to be captain, then yes, I’d love to be a captain of a Ryder Cup team,” he said. “Hopefully, I’ve got another 10 years in me before I ever get asked.”
While Miguel Angel Jimenez and Thomas Bjorn are also in contention, Poulter believes Clarke is the prime candidate to succeed McGinley when Europe head across the Atlantic to defend their crown. He added: “When you look at the next one in Hazeltine, it’s looking like Darren Clarke will be a strong favourite.”