Ian Poulter refuses to give up on Ryder Cup dream: ‘I bleed blue and yellow’

Ian Poulter insists he has not given up hope of returning to the Ryder Cup, admitting it would be a “dream come true” to once again play a role with Team Europe.

The 50-year-old has not featured in the biennial contest since Europe’s heavy 19–9 defeat to the United States at Whistling Straits in 2021. 

Poulter was widely tipped to become a future European captain before his move to LIV Golf in 2022, a decision that effectively severed his Ryder Cup involvement. However, speaking during LIV Golf Riyadh this week, Poulter suggested the door may not be fully closed.

“I’d obviously still love to have some involvement in the Ryder Cup in some way, shape or form,” he told TNT Sports. 

“From wanting to have a helping hand in something I’ve been a big part of for the last two decades, it would be a dream come true.

“It’s worked that way for Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton. They’ve been accepted back into the Ryder Cup and hopefully that relationship can continue.”

Poulter’s comments at LIV's season opener follow more emotional remarks made last September, when he admitted his absence from the Ryder Cup “hurts”.

Speaking on the Dan On Golf Podcast, the former Ryder Cup talisman highlighted what he sees as inconsistencies in LIV Golf players such as Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm being welcomed back into the European fold.

“Jon and Tyrrell play golf on LIV Golf and they are still widely accepted into the Ryder Cup family, while some others aren’t,” Poulter said. “Is it frustrating? Of course it is, but I’m very hopeful one day we can still be helpful to Team Europe.”

Few players have embodied the Ryder Cup spirit quite like Poulter, who famously played a key role in Europe’s comeback victory at Medinah in 2012.

Poulter has finished on the winning side five times and has an overall record of 15-8-2 in the biennial contest – with an unbeaten 6-0-1 in singles across his seven appearances.

“You cut me in half and I bleed blue and yellow,” concluded Poulter. 

“There is nothing I love more than representing Europe. To not be part of it hurts — but we are hopeful one day that might change.”