Poulter Wigs Out Over TCup Criticism; Wheels Out Charity In Its Defense

Steve Elling examines the growing hostility toward the Conspicuous Consumption Cup which is has been a generator of massive charity dollars and massively unfair criticism, says Ian Poulter who was touchier than normal on Twitter today about the "T-Cup," citing a range of charitable contributions ("Over six" million in one Tweet, $8 million in another.)

"Anyone who takes offense at Joe Lewis is a complete muppet," he said. "Do your research. He is one of the most generous people I have ever known."

Sure, Poulter understands the limitation of the format -- it's invitees only -- but the Englishman grew downright animated when the pitched Tavistock criticism was broached after his round on Tuesday.

For instance, the Associated Press has refused to identify the event by its name, referring to it only as a made-for-TV exhibition outside Orlando. The critics in cyberspace are almost too numerous to catalog.

When did it become so wrong to be successful in this country? Lewis, who owns the privately held Tavistock Group, spends his own money to stage one of the most memorable events of the year for the players, so it's not surprising they are fiercely defensive about allegations that it's a rich man's folly.

Poulter's main counterpoint is a good one: Tournament director Andy Odenbach said that in its eight years, the tournament has donated $6.5 million to charity.

Wow, that's impressive. Who knew? And if the players drove to the course instead of taking luxury helicopters, imagine how much more could be given to the tournament's real priority!

"Yeah, if you look at it, it's in a luxury estate, there's some of the best golfers from all over the world that live here and play here, it's a closed-shop deal, and you can’t buy tickets to come and watch the event and some people might take objection to it," Poulter said. "But look what it does for charity. How can you not defend it? If someone hasn’t been here, how can they say it isn’t a great event?"