Delivering the Point: Why Ian Poulter Will Always Be 'The Postman'

"I will deliver a point." With those words, Ian Poulter didn't just make a promise; he forged a legend. As we look back at the history of the Ryder Cup, few players have had a more profound psychological impact on the event than the man they call "The Postman."

The Eyes of a Killer

It became a familiar sight: the bug-eyed stare, the vein popping in the neck, the roar that echoed across the course. Ian Poulter didn't just beat you; he let you know you had been beaten.

• Medinah 2012: His run of five consecutive birdies to close out his Saturday Fourball match is arguably the most critical stretch of golf in Ryder Cup history. It turned a certain 10-5 deficit into 10-6, sparking the "Miracle at Medinah."

Why Match Play?

Poulter's game was never the most powerful or the most technically perfect. So why was he unstoppable in match play?

• The "Us vs. Them" Mentality: Poulter thrived on conflict. While many golfers try to block out distractions, Poulter fed off them. He took every cheer for the opponent personally.
• Putting Under Pressure: Statistically, Poulter wasn't always the best putter on tour. But situationally, he was peerless. If a putt was to win a hole or save a half, his make percentage skyrocketed.

A Lasting Legacy

Today's generation—Rahm, Hatton, McIlroy—all cite Poulter as the template for European passion. He taught them that talent is mandatory, but belief is what wins the Ryder Cup. The Postman may have stopped making deliveries on the course, but his stamp is on every trophy Europe lifts.