Proud Poulter ready for Ryder Cup

Ian Poulter has expressed his pride at his amazing Ryder Cup record as he prepares to take on the USA for the fifth time at Glenegles

Ian Poulter has expressed his pride at his amazing Ryder Cup record as he prepares to take on the USA for the fifth time at Glenegles.

The European talisman, dubbed 'Mr Ryder Cup' after his heroics at Medinah, is a marked man following a string of hugely impressive display since making his debut in the biennial contest in 2004.

But he's relishing both the challenge and the additional pressure, and thrilled to be placed in the same bracket as the likes of Seve Ballesteros and Colin Montgomerie.

"I'm very proud of my record and proud that I've put a lot of blue of the board," said Poulter.

"I'm passionate as a team player, and to be mentioned with the Seve and Monty and those players is an absolute honour."

Poulter has played 15 matches in the Ryder Cup and delivered a point 80% of the time - by far and away the best ratio in the modern era.

US Captain Tom Watson said earlier in the week that Poulter, plus four-time major champion and world number one Rory McIlroy, would be marked men.

"I guess I take Watson's comment as a huge compliment," added Poulter.

"As someone that has loved the Ryder Cup and for Tom, as accomplished as he is, to play me that compliment is amazing."

Poulter remains as focussed as ever on delivering for his team at Gleneagles, and insists the pressure to perform comes from within.

"I think I put more pressure on myself than the millions or billions or however many people are out there wanting me to hole putts.

"I'm very demanding of what it is I have to go out there and deliver upon, and I feel that I can manage that level within myself because that's what I expect to do."