Ian Poulter defends Vivendi Trophy absence

Ian Poulter through Twitter has commented to the criticism that he has received for not playing in the Vivendi Trophy

"It would have been great to play the Seve Trophy, but the schedule becomes very difficult to play every event, so important not to burn out." Poulter wrote.

"I really want to be fresh and strong for all of the Ryder Cup qualifying events that I'm going to play in. The Ryder Cup means everything to me."

It shows that Ian Poulter is determined to make the Ryder Cup, but if he needs a wildcard pick it could be interesting to see if Monty would give another Captain's pick to the Englishman, even if he was the star of the European team last time round.

Montgomerie is in particular not happy that Ryder Cup wildcard pick in 2008 Ian Poulter is not playing.

"I just feel that when you are selected for your country more of an effort might well have been made," said Montgomerie, who is in attendance to watch potential members of his side for Celtic Manor next October.

"Ian Poulter, not having qualified for the Tour Championship and having been picked for the last Ryder Cup team (Westwood, Rose and Garcia all qualified), I felt that a little more effort might have been made to come here.

Paul McGinley Captain of the GB&I team said: "I've always been a great team player and whenever I've got picked for a team I play.

"Others guys see it another way. I might not agree with it, but I respect that they have a different opinion.

"Lee is the only one who rang me and explained why he wasn't going to play. As I say, I didn't agree with him and I don't agree with him, but I respect that he's his own man and he can make his own decisions."

Where next?

Tour Championship betting guide Golf Monthly competitions Ian Botham and Ronan Keating golf day