Ian Poulter Expecting Second Twitter Storm In Criticism Final Series Criteria.

11 years ago by Comments Off on Ian Poulter Expecting Second Twitter Storm In Criticism Final Series Criteria.
Ian Poulter’s expecting another Twitter storm after declaring the inaugural European Tour Final Series to be ‘unfair’. 

The four tournaments, starting with this week’s BMW Masters in Shanghai and ending with the DP World Tour Championship, command a total purse of Euro 30.5m plus there’s an additional bonus pool of Euro 3.75m to be divided among the top-10 players at year’s end. 

However what’s got Poults hot under the collar is a Tour rule you must play two of the first three to qualify for the fourth and final event.

Poulter’s comments come just weeks after Scotland’s Paul Lawrie had a dig at his victorious Ryder Cup colleagues, including Poulter, who skipped competing in the Seve Trophy. 

The standout ‘Hero of Medinah’ got grief on Twitter for not playing in France and Poulter seems prepared for more social media strife.

He said:  “I don’t give a toss anymore about what people think.  I’m away for a month, miss the kids and just find it difficult.

“People (Tour) are making it more difficult having to play two out of three. Guys need a break.

“So it’s not getting any easier to travel and I’m not getting younger, so it’s difficult to play as many as we play, and can’t burn it hard without there being consequences. 

“I just find it hard as I love playing here, love playing round the world.  Golf is a global business but you need to pick and choose.

“But when people get disappointed and get on your back then I’d like to tell them where to go as they haven’t got a clue.” 

In contrast to Poulter’s plight those managing injured Joost Luiten were questioning the Dutchman being forced to tee-up and play just one shot on Thursday so as to satisfy the Final Series criteria.  

Luiten is just one spot outside the top-10 on the Race to Dubai and headed straight home for an MRI on his injured shoulder.

The Tour was also under some fire earlier this week when Germany’s Max Keiffer, currently 77th on the Race to Dubai and competing in Shanghai on an invitation, complained any money he earned would not count on the money list. 

However the German had to eat humble pie after being directed to the Tour Guidelines booklet. 

American Luke Guthrie competing in his first-ever European Tour event posted a 71 to extend his lead to four shots at eight under par with Scot’s Craig Lee (70) and Scott Jamieson (68) among six players in second place on four under par.

Lee capped his round when he holed a 178-yard 4-iron second shot into the wind for eagle at the par four, 16th after having birdied 13 and 15.



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