In Other Overrated Golfer News...A Defense Of Ian Poulter

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Ian Poulter is one of the most underrated players in the game. Despite what his peers say.

And while I don't agree on one poing with The Independent's Kevin Garside that had Poulter kept his mouth shut, he'd be better appreciated, Garside makes a strong case for the Englishman's talent.

Only 21 players in the history of European golf have a better ledger than his. At the Masters this year he was 10 under par across the weekend, carding a pair of 67s, the best finish by anyone who made the cut. Rubbish, eh?

As ever with these things, the haters are looking in the wrong direction. Instead of comparing Poulter with McIlroy, Tiger Woods and the uber elite, his detractors should look the other way at all those who have played the game professionally and returned a fraction of Poulter’s bullion.

How many careers began as inauspiciously as his, off a handicap of four while selling Mars bars in a pro shop? And that’s not plus four by the way, the kind of polished accoutrement boasted by the graduates of the American collegiate system. No, that’s a dear, old, single handicap four, the kind you see battling it out for the Sunday medal.

Poulter learned the game a million miles from the gilded country club scene in the United States. There was no money for private lessons. He progressed through bloody-mindedness and hard graft, making the most of what talent he had.