Ian Poulter’s Players finale showed sound judgment not conservatism

May 17, 2017

Players Championship runner-up has been accused of ‘not playing to win’ at Sawgrass – but sensible strategy was the right approach in the circumstances

A fortnight ago, Ian Poulter could only have dreamed about being part of such a discussion. As it transpires, the Englishman’s runner-up finish at the Players Championship – a terrific achievement, given the context – has triggered a curious debate among analysts. The accusation is this: that Poulter was overly conservative over the closing stretch at Sawgrass where, to the extent as believed by the Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee, he “clearly did not play to win”.

Poulter immediately and understandably took umbrage with such sentiment. If there was ever a time to have a pop at him, this was hardly it. Having toiled with injury and form to the point that he flirted with losing full status on the PGA Tour, here was the 41-year-old at the business end of their flagship competition. If they are being honest, those commentators who criticised Poulter on Sunday would have scoffed at the notion of him finishing second if asked before a ball was struck. Perhaps Poulter still suffers from being such a thorn in the United States’ side in Ryder Cup tournaments.

Tags: Golf Ian Poulter Sport US sports