IAN POULTER, WHO was once ranked as high as fifth in the world, has lost his PGA Tour card after missing the cut at the Valero Texas Open.
Poulter dropped to 190th after an injury-hit year in 2016 and needed to win around $30,000 in prize money this week to retain his playing privileges.
But he shot 71 on Friday and finished on two-over par.
“You don’t get to #5 in the world and help lift a few (Ryder Cups) and disappear,” he tweeted afterwards. “You come back stronger and more determined than ever.”
Even without full Tour status, Poulter will still be eligible for some events, and can also be invited to tournaments by sponsors.
“The way it falls right now is, you know, I don’t know whether I’m going to be in tournaments or out of tournaments,” he explained after Friday’s round.
“So what it means and what the most frustrating thing for the next few months is, you know, I can’t plan a schedule. I have to be ready on any given Monday to go to an event.
“Obviously I’ll try and qualify for US Open, I’ll try and qualify for The Open. I’ll play some events in Europe, I’ll play some more events over here and obviously I’ll do what I need to do.”
Graeme McDowell (-2) and Seamus Power (E) both made the cut for the weekend, but have work to do to close the gap on Bud Cauley and Tony Finau who share the lead on -8.
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It was always so striking how average he was on tour and how outstanding he was in the ryder cup
@Joe Bloggs: striking? Seems to be his main m at the moment.
@The don: *problem
@Joe Bloggs: He wasn’t average. Pablo Larrazabal was average, Damien McGrane was average. Poulter won as many tournaments as anyone over the last 10-15 years, and contended in majors. Flash tw*t though.
@Armchair Follower: joe couldn’t agree moe, he certainly wasn’t average. He’s won 12 european competitions
Well he’s finally been proven right. He really is at Tiger’s level now.
I’d have more sympathy for him if he was as modest as luke Donald or Paul Casey! Himself and Lee Westwood have a certain arrogance!
He’ll get plenty of invites i’m sure, so plenty of chances to get it back!
He’s always got his Social Media to fall back on :)
Graeme McDowell still plays golf?!