Crucial time for Poults

Poulter: Open runner-up

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Ian Poulter is intent on securing his Ryder Cup place in the two big events coming up back-to-back in America.

This week's WGC Bridgestone Invitational and the US PGA the following week both carry a big haul of world ranking points, as well as huge purses (a combined total of $15 million) that count towards the European Order of Merit.

Poulter was runner-up at the Open earlier this month, a result that moved him up to seventh in the Ryder Cup world points standings and 12th in the European points table.

The top five players from the world points list on August 31 automatically qualify for the team, with the next five advancing from the European points list. Nick Faldo will then add two captain's picks to compete the 12-man line-up.

"The next two weeks are really important to play good golf," the 32-year-old said as he prepared for Thursday's start at Firestone.

"Not only do I earn points on our order of merit list but I also earn points on the world list and that can help me on both sides.

Permutations

"There are so many different permutations at the minute, not just for me but for Nick to see his players play well in the next few weeks.

"I've got five tournaments left to make a stand to try and make the side automatically, and that's what I want to do. I don't want to rely on a pick."

Poulter intends to spend at least the next five weeks on the PGA Tour, but his plans could change if he fails to finish well at Firestone and at the season's final major in Michigan.

"I want to make the side so, if I have to, I will certainly look at what needs to be done to try and make the team," he added. "If I can play well over the next two weeks, then I won't have to be flying back home and then back for the Ryder Cup."

Poulter has posted two top-15 finishes in five previous WGC Bridgestone Invitational appearances.

Excited

"I'm excited to be here, at a golf course that I like, a golf course I've played for a good number of years now," he said.

"I'm very much looking forward to it. I feel fresh. I've had a nice week off, time to reflect on a good (British) Open. Now it's time to come out strong and play good golf over the next two weeks."

The Englishman played in the Ryder Cup at Oakland Hills in 2004 but missed out for the match at the K Club two years ago.