Mark Ferguson reviews the already-notorious autobiography from Ian Poulter…
Over the past few weeks the sports pages have been dominated by some big-name autobiography releases. There’s been no shortage of controversy, creating numerous talking points within the world of sport.
We were treated to the views of Kevin Pietersen regarding bullying amongst England’s cricketers and then Roy Keane’s second release burst onto the scene. Never one to hold back, Keane revealed all sorts of tales from within the Manchester United camp and beyond.
The latest release comes from the golfing world and it comes from one of the most entertaining characters in the game – Ian Poulter.
His significance in Europe’s Ryder Cup team has led to him being referred to as Mr Match Play, Mr Ryder Cup and he often calls himself the ‘Postman’, heaping immense pressure on himself to deliver, the sort of pressure he thrives under.
Once again, he played his part in Europe’s recent Ryder Cup success, but it hasn’t all been highs in 2014 for the man from Hitchin. There were times when he really struggled during the injury-plagued year and he’s gone from 12th in the world to 40th.
So what is it about the Ryder Cup that brings out the best in Poulter? That is a question even the man himself can’t quite answer: “There is something fascinating about it that makes its participants fist pump in a way they never do in any other golfing circumstance. It’s such drama, so intense. Look at Seve, Faldo, Monty: it’s amazing to see what happens to people. I really don’t think I’m any different.”
Like Pietersen and Keane, Poulter has had his fallouts – most notably with Colin Montgomerie – and in his new release, No Limits, Poulter reveals that he doesn’t regret what was said.
The pair clashed in 2005 when they argued at the Seve Trophy. Montgomerie was unhappy that Poulter decided to practise by himself instead of showing his support for the last match of the day.
Poulter writes: “Monty’s reaction was to come stomping up to the range and start having a go at me. He said I should have been at the 18th with him and rest of the team. He got himself in a real lather. I was bemused. It wasn’t as if I was sitting there having a beer or something.
“‘**** off,’ I said. ‘I’m working. I know you’re captain but I’m actually working for your benefit here.'”
He may not be everybody’s cup of tea. However, Poulter’s pure passion and honesty is mightily refreshing in the sport.
His remarkable journey from being a rejected youth team player at Tottenham Hotspur to a Ryder Cup hero is not one to miss.