Ian Poulter says Europe's young blood will get stronger for future Ryder Cups
Monday 3 October 2016 17:29, UK
Ian Poulter believes Europe are experiencing a period of transition and that the final result of this year's Ryder Cup was not a true reflection of the contest.
The 40-year-old was one of Darren Clarke's vice-captain's in Minnesota, where the United States came out on top 17-11.
The Americans enjoyed a clean sweep of the opening foursomes on Friday before taking 7½ points out of 12 in the singles.
But Poulter said: "I don't believe there needs to be a new template. Unfortunately, a couple of guys didn't earn any points this week and that was clearly damaging.
"The overall scoreline was 17-11 but I think it was a little closer than that. There was a lot of blue on the board for a long time but it flipped.
"We probably have a transitional team with a lot of young blood. The star this week from a European perspective was Thomas (Pieters) with four points.
"That's impressive and in two years you would expect him to be a stronger player.
"Woody (Chris Wood) played lovely in practice all week and played well again in the singles (against Dustin Johnson), but he didn't manage to get his point.
"It's a young side and we have been outplayed by a really strong American team this week.
"You certainly would have expected Danny (Willett) to take a couple of points this week and obviously Lee (Westwood). That didn't happen and that's why the score is what it is."
Poulter, a five-time Ryder Cup player, has been struggling with injury this year, and admits he is keen to regain his spot in the European team for Paris in 2018.
He added: "I'm itching to play Ryder Cup again. I will see you in France in two years' time, I promise.
"I can't wait to get back. This has been a tough week, being on the sidelines watching, wanting to help out and contribute and you can't. It sparks even more fire for me to come back stronger."
