Ian Poulter, the English golfer, yesterday withdrew from the US PGA Championship at Whistling Straits ahead of the final round, but his place is safe in the European Ryder Cup team. Poulter was lying last on five over par after rounds of 72, 72 and 77 in the final major of the season, but decided not to complete his last 18 holes. The 34-year-old, who had been suffering from a chest infection, revealed the decision on his Twitter feed.
"Guys, it's a no-go this morning, body is not strong enough, had to withdraw," Poulter said. "[I'm] gutted; first time I've ever had to do that when feeling ill. Flying back home to Orlando this morning, my bed is awaiting my arrival. I can't get back quick enough." Poulter practised with Henrik Stenson on Tuesday just after the Swede had received more medical attention for a chest virus that has been bothering him since the British Open.
There was even a fear he had viral pneumonia and Poulter will be hoping he has nothing as serious, or that it does not affect his golf in the same way. Stenson finished last at last week's WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Akron and missed the cut by 10 shots on Friday. For his last six rounds, Stenson, third at St Andrews last month, is 31 over par and it has almost certainly cost him his chance of featuring in the Ryder Cupin October.
Poulter's place is safe at least, but he will want to recover full fitness for the start of the FedEx Cup play-offs starting on Thursday week. * Press Association