Ian Poulter Finally Got to Number Two on Sunday, Right Behind Tiger

by Ryan Ballengee on Feb 22, 2010 9:56 AM EST in Pro Golf

Ian Poulter made quite a splash in January '08 when he told press assembled in Dubai that he had an honest belief that it should just be he and Tiger Woods atop the Official World Golf Rankings.

"Can I get to number one in the world ? No, I can't really, not while Tiger is playing golf," he said. "Can I get to number two, yeah."

"Don't get me wrong, I really respect every professional golfer, but I know I haven't played to my full potential and when that happens, it will be just me and Tiger."

After Tiger Woods took the checkered flag at Dubai the same week as the comments, Woods reacted to Poulter's statement. (Think "9&8." "9&8 speaks for itself.")

Well, it only took approximately two years longer than Poulter predicted, but he's finally number two. I mean, he's number five in this week's Official World Golf Ranking. He has approximately half the points that Woods does now. (In fact, Woods has probably lost more points than Poulter has gained.) Kudos for that.

But his impressive run through the WGC Accenture Match Play field and final round win over Paul Casey still had him playing second fiddle to Tiger Woods' prepared 13 minute statement that was read two days prior.

Even when Woods is not playing golf, he still dominates attention for the sport. In fact, I'm sure we'll see some witty questioning of Poulter's win provided Woods' absence. This would be in contrast to Geoff Ogilvy, whose win here last year with Woods in the field and on the comeback trail, earned him enough praise to practically catapult him to the second ranking in public view.

The trick for Poulter is being able to back up his first WGC and US win with more than talk, pink pants, and apparently the Cobra shoot that he did this morning (in fact, going on right now).

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number two

beavis laugh

by Cairo on Feb 22, 2010 12:00 PM EST reply actions

I was seriously

bummed out…no doubt about his shot making and putting, but no PINK BALL…common already….STUB

by thinker on Feb 22, 2010 12:28 PM EST reply actions

Did Oglivy knock out Woods on his way to winning ?

What a load of rot…you can only beat who you tee it up against. Tiger wasn’t up to the task last year…and he sure isn’t this year either. End of.

by Easingwold on Feb 22, 2010 2:52 PM EST reply actions

What is wrong with what Poulter said?

should he set his sights on being number 150?

by freeze gopher on Feb 22, 2010 3:39 PM EST reply actions

Exactly !! We need more guys willing to be as up front with what they’re playing for. We don’t hear people complaing that Tiger wants to run down Nicklaus’ records.

"this ball will fit in that fairway"

by courtgolf on Feb 22, 2010 4:18 PM EST up reply actions

Eve if Poults is looking through

rose-pink-colored glasses, he seems to be very frank.

by TXQ on Feb 22, 2010 4:25 PM EST up reply actions

Poulter is good for golf...

at least he nails his colours( even pink ) to the mast…many pros are scared to say what they think. More power to him.

by Easingwold on Feb 22, 2010 3:53 PM EST reply actions

If there is to be "some WITTY questioning

of Poulter’s win provided Woods’ absence" you’re not the one doing it. Is it all an asterisk to you if TW doesn’t play? Poulter played fantastically well – his short game was up there among the best I’ve seen.

by WendyUK on Feb 22, 2010 4:05 PM EST reply actions

It's an asterisky

business, Wendy.

by TXQ on Feb 22, 2010 4:14 PM EST up reply actions

I agree Wendy..

this “asterisk” argument when Tiger is not playing dosen’t wash anymore. Tiger is damaged goods at the moment and obviously can’t compete right now. Federer wins when Nedal is out with duff knees…no asterisk there…and none here.

by Easingwold on Feb 22, 2010 4:15 PM EST up reply actions

well

Given the choice between someone swearing or a Nike Driver landing on my noggin, while I’m trying to watch a golf tournament, I’ll take a dirty word or two. Looks like Poulter is heading for a good year on tour. I’ve met Ian twice now and he is very approachable off the course and a true gentleman. Quite the jokester also. I little chilly for Vegas this time of year, 51 degrees YIKES !!! Hopefully the cards will be HOT tonight. :o)

"pain is only weakness leaving the body"

by progolf on Feb 22, 2010 5:39 PM EST reply actions

Not sure I see the connection between rude behavior on the practice green to a security guard over a house rule known to the players (where there are “patrons” hanging around), and flinging a driver. Why are either acceptable ?

Blackjack or Poker ?

"this ball will fit in that fairway"

by courtgolf on Feb 22, 2010 6:05 PM EST up reply actions

Neither are acceptable

But given the choice I’ll take choice A. Court ? The people standing on a Tee Box are not Patrons ? heh Blackjack tonight. So far so good. Came up to my room to take a break and get e mails and of COURSE waggle a bit. Just not with the chick at the reservation desk. ;o)

"pain is only weakness leaving the body"

by progolf on Feb 22, 2010 8:26 PM EST up reply actions

I still don’t see where there was a choice offered in the scenario…oh wait, you just inserted your own example into it. :-) Both are boorish and unacceptable – why even treat it like you get to choose between them and get a pass if you pick the right one ?

"this ball will fit in that fairway"

by courtgolf on Feb 22, 2010 9:00 PM EST up reply actions

He played well.

No doubt about it. deserved to win, and win he did. Looking back at the Ryder Cup, and his finish at the Open Championship in ‘08. I’d say we have an emerging force on our hands. Looked cool Sunday think (pink panther). Not afraid to speak his mind either. I’m a fan!

"The game is swell when it's played well."

by Fairways and Grins on Feb 22, 2010 8:04 PM EST reply actions