Rich Beem keeps Ian Poluter’s Ryder Cup Dream Alive

Ian Poulter has made a last-minute journey to Fanling, to compete in the Hong Kong Open in order to be eligible for next year’s Ryder Cup.

After falling out the top 50 in the Official World Golf Rankings on Monday, the Englishman was no longer qualified to play in the HSBC Champions in Shanghai next month, meaning that he would not be playing the 13 events required to keep his European Tour membership.

As only members of the European Tour are eligible for Europe’s Ryder Cup team, Poulter had no other option but to compete in the Hong Kong Open, to make his 13th required tournament appearance.

However, as the event deadline had already passed, the only avenue left to him was to swap spots with one of the tournaments sponsor’s invites.

None other than former US PGA Champion Rich Been graciously stood down to give up his tournament invitation to allow Poulter a place in the field, keeping his Ryder Cup dreams alive.

The Englishman made the last-minute 15-hour flight to Hong Kong, and took to Twitter inform all of his fans of the rush, saying: “That’s what you call cutting it fine, passports arrived 7.15am, taking off at 9am to make flight to Hong Kong.”

That’s what you call cutting it fine, passports arrived 7.15am, taking off at 9am to make flight to Hong Kong. pic.twitter.com/JmeVITEvLn

— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) October 20, 2015

Poulter tweeted again this morning, saying: “Just landed in Hong Kong. Waiting for my bags then off to the hotel for quick bite and sleep.  Teeing off at 12:00 tomorrow.”

Cover Photo by @IanJamesPoulter on Twitter