Ryder Cup legend with extraordinary rant about US fans: "It's just so annoying"
European Ryder Cup legend Ian Poulter tore into the US fans ahead of the matches at Bethpage Black in New York.
European Ryder Cup legend Ian Poulter chose violence when he was asked if American fans are better than their counterparts.
Poulter has a glittering record in the biennial contest and was part of the European team that won in in 2004, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2018.
During his pomp, the now 49-year-old was not only known for his clutch putts and mental toughness but how he dealt with the US galleries.
Poulter explained his point of view during an extraordinary interview with SPORTbible, saying "only in America does the stupidness come out".
"I don't even know where to start," he said. "There's no... I mean... F------ mashed potatoes and all that f------ b------- that you hear is madness.
"In the hole, get in the hole! It's a 600-yard par 5, you f------ idiot.
"I actually just want to borrow the taser [from] the security guard just to let one go per hole would be amazing.
"Imagine that, you got one taser per hole. That'd be awesome. That'd go right between the eyes. Have it."
Poulter said what is shouted from the US galleries is "not heckling" but "complete and utter embarrassing stupidity".
"We don't get that at the Open Championship," he said. You don't get it anywhere. It's only in America the stupidness comes out.
"F---. I mean, it's just so annoying. It's annoying. There's no need for it, right?
"Our fans, when they come and watch golf, are very respectful.
"I'm not completely dissing the American fans because the atmosphere in America is amazing."
Watch:
American golf fans or European golf fans? pic.twitter.com/rV0k6ajFOj
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) September 23, 2025
Poulter has not played in a Ryder Cup since Europe's record 19-9 defeat at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.
There, he was once again subjected to a hostile American crowd.
On the first tee on day one, he was told by one spectator that it looked as though he purchased his outfit from a grocery store.
Poulter responded by hitting the middle of the fairway and cupping his right ear in the direction of the heckler.
Poulter joined LIV Golf in June 2022 and resigned from the DP World Tour the following April.
It appeared to signal a sad end to his association with Ryder Cup Europe.
At the beginning of the week, Poulter told the 5 Clubs podcast he doesn't regret his decision and he's hopeful that one day he could have a leadership role with the blue and gold.
He remains positive a resolution can be found between the warring tours but, from what he's hearing at the moment, it doesn't sound like an agreement will be struck anytime soon.
When the announcement was made that the 2025 Ryder Cup was heading to New York, it was expected that Poulter would be leading the team as captain against Phil Mickelson.
But Luke Donald will lead the troops this week. Keegan Bradley is the United States captain.
Ben Smith joined the GolfMagic team in September 2021, initially as a content executive.
These days, he assumes the position of content manager.
