Ian Poulter an inspiration to his Euro teammates
English firebrand in irresistible form as he wins fourballs and then singles to spark Euro revival
Firebrand Ian Poulter was the toast of Europe as he inspired his team's stunning comeback at Medinah.
A self-styled Ryder Cup fanatic, the 36-year-old Englishman trounced US Open champion Webb Simpson 2 up in the second of 12 closing singles to help give his side crucial momentum as they battled to reel in a 10-6 overnight US lead.
Jose Maria Olazabal's men eventually edged home 141/2 to 131/2 and Poulter finished the event unbeaten at 4-0, bringing his overall Ryder Cup record to a stunning 12 wins, against just three losses and no halves in four appearances.
Perhaps even more crucial to the outcome at Medinah Country Club was Poulter's astounding finish to Saturday afternoon's fourballs session when, playing with Rory McIlory, he closed with five straight birdies to defeat the previously unbeaten Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson at the 18th hole.
His goggle-eyed, fist-pumping victory celebration after sinking the winning putt gave new hope to the flagging Europeans, turning what would have been mission impossible at 11-5 down into an unlikely but not impossible 10-6.
The Poulter effect worked its way right through the 12-man team and it was there at the end as Martin Kaymer brought home the crucial point in his 1 up win over Steve Stricker in the penultimate match.
"I got inspired, to be honest with you, by Poulter yesterday [in the fourballs]," he said.