Ian Poulter on Rory McIlroy: “We all expect so much from him because he’s such an amazing talent. And when someone like Rory hasn’t won a majority for a few years, the questions are asked. But he’s one of the Most Inspiring Golfers I’ve Ever Seen ”
By Keith Jackson
Last Updated: 26/01/21 1:06 pm
Ian Poulter has returned with critics Rory McIlroy
Ian Poulter has knocked out criticism from critics of Rory McIlroy after he was unable to turn a 54-hole lead into victory in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
McIlroy, playing in his first event from the Masters last November, got off to a 64-yard start before striking back from a difficult second day with a 67-round third that lifted Tyrrell Hatton’s clear one.
But he couldn’t build on a clear start on the final day and Hatton regained the lead around the turn of the game before pulling away to an elegant four-stroke victory – his fourth win in his last 20 starts.
Poulter believes McIlroy is the most consistent player in the world
Hatton’s brilliance has risen above McIlroy to fifth place in the world rankings, but Poulter was not pleased to see so much criticism of McIlroy after that, with many questioning his mental strength and ability to close. -out competitions.
“It’s silly,” Poulter said Sky Sports News. “Rory, a pound – for – pound is probably the most consistent golfer on the planet. When you look at how many top five and top 10 he has, his record is amazing.
“We all expect so much from him because he is such an amazing talent. And when someone like Rory is a pregnant winner in his early years, and then hasn’t won a major for a few years, the questions are asked.
“But Rory McIlroy is one of the most inspiring golfers I’ve ever seen, and one of the most professional. He’s very knowledgeable about the game of golf, and about his own game, and he’s always on the lookout. to make improvements.
1:05 World number 51 Ian Poulter defends Rory McIlroy’s recent lack of success and believes the four-time main champion is the ‘most consistent golfer on the planet’.
“I believe it’s a difficult career, when there are high expectations and nothing more than what he himself expected. So finishing third in Abu Dhabi seems like a disappointment. for him as he managed to enter Sunday.
“But it was still a third-place finish, it’s not like he’s completely shaken up and finishing outside of the top 10. He’s one of the most consistent players we’ve ever seen in golf. “
While defending McIlroy, Poulter also praised the achievements of Hatton, who is now British No. 1 and fifth in the world – a high position that Poulter also reached in 2010.
“World No 5 is a big situation to be in, and I know that because I got it myself,” said Poulter. “It will take a lot of hard work, Tyrrell adds. the hard work and has spent a lot of time being healthy.
Tyrrell Hatton moved to world No. 5 after a win in Abu Dhabi
“He’s grown stronger in his mind, he’s a character, but he can be really hard on himself and we’ve all seen that in his person. But he’s grown into a really good golfer. He hitting the ball very straight, and he makes holes over the last 18 months, he has won four times worldwide, so he is a respected force.
“And it’s great to see English golfers move up in the world rankings and make great stuff.”
Poulter slipped out of the world’s top 50 after missing the cut in Abu Dhabi, but is still “driven” to qualify for the Ryder Cup in September and is willing to talk about the prospect of having Whistling Straits as a supporter of European captain Patrick Harrington. .
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“There was no conversation and there will be no need for conversation until the‘ last resort ’string is pulled,” Poulter challenged. “I am committed and focused.
“Yes, I’m 45 now, but the challenge for me is to stay hungry, stay committed to the good things I’ve been doing with my game and all anything around to make sure I slip on a shirt in September. and non-radio maintenance.
“I’m really happy to make sure I’m on that team.”