Wednesday 21 October 2015 15:21, UK
Rich Beem says it was an easy decision for him to give up his tournament invite at this week’s Hong Kong Open to allow Ian Poulter to feature.
Poulter's European Tour membership and hopes of playing in next year's Ryder Cup appeared under threat when Andy Sullivan's Portgual Masters win and Emiliano Grillo's Frys.com victory saw the Englishman drop outside of the world's top 50 for the first time in nine years.
With the fall in rankings meaning Poulter was no longer eligible to play in the WGC-HSBC Masters, it left the 39-year-old still needing to feature in another event to make up the 13 tournaments required to remain a member of the European Tour.
Beem admits he would have loved to have teed off in Fanling this week, but he believes he has done the right thing by stepping aside and giving Poulter the chance to play.
"He [Poulter] was expecting to play in the HSBC Masters and that fell through, so he only had one option which was to play in Hong Kong this week," Beem told Sky Sports News HQ.
"I was one of the last sponsor invites and once I was approached by the European Tour about the predicament Ian was in, I didn't hesitate. It was an easy call for me personally to bail out and allow Ian to play.
"I think a lot of professional golfers around the world would agree that it's the best thing to do and I feel awkward about being in this situation. I don't feel like I've done anything special or extraordinary, I think a lot of people would've done what I've done."
"It was the only right thing to do and I think Ian can appreciate that."
Poulter played a key role in narrow Ryder Cup victories in both 2010 and 2012 and is keen to be involved in Europe's bid for a fourth consecutive win, although Beem says that did not impact on his decision to give up his invitation.
"The funny thing is that I didn't even think about what the consequences would be," Beem added. "It never even crossed my mind not to say 'I will bow out' and do anything differently to what I did.
"Who knows, maybe Darren Clarke won't pick him or he may not qualify - only time will tell. I just hope if Ian makes the Ryder Cup side at Hazeltine then maybe he can miss a few putts as in the past he has buried us!
"I wish the Europeans well, but I'm pretty confident the Americans will win the next Ryder Cup."
Although no longer featuring in the regular-season finale, Beem will stay out in Hong Kong to be part of the European Tour's commentary team throughout the week.
He said: "It's been very bizarre to say the least, but it was the only right thing to do and I think Ian can appreciate that. My job these days is totally different and I absolutely love what I do, working as a commentator for Sky Sports.
"I'm not a professional golfer as such. I mean I am, but I'm not. I'm here in Hong Kong because I was invited and not by the golf course, but my living is not as a professional golfer any more and I've realised that for a couple of years now.
"I hold most of the cards in this deal, so I'm going to hold him to dinner and much more! Don't you worry; we'll have a bit of fun with this.
"I've got some obligations with the folks at UBS and it's going to be a fun week nonetheless. I'm glad I'm here."
Watch the Hong Kong Open live throughout the week on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf
