Report: Ian Poulter rushes to Hong Kong Open to maintain Ryder Cup eligibility

Ian Poulter of Europe celebrates with his caddie Terry Mundy after making birdie on day two of the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah on September 29, 2012
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Ian Poulter reportedly hurries to catch a private jet so that he can play in the Hong Kong Open and maintain his European Tour membership and Ryder Cup eligibility.

Ian Poulter has reportedly hastily flown out to Hong Kong from his Florida home so that he can maintain his eligibility for next year's Ryder Cup.

The Englishman dropped down to 51st in the world rankings over the weekend and therefore must play in this week's Hong Kong Open to fulfil the minimum of 13 events needed to retain his European Tour membership.

According to The Telegraph, Poulter rushed to catch a private jet this morning so he could make it to Hong Kong, and the 39-year-old appeared to confirm this in the below tweet.

He has Rich Beem to thank for his spot in the tournament as the American gave up his place to hand Poulter a sponsor's invite.

Poulter, who has been Europe's talisman in recent years with 12 points in the last four editions, still might not feature at Hazeltine next year, but had he not played this week in Hong Kong he would not be eligible even for a captain's pick as only European Tour members are eligible.


Lee Westwood of Europe celebrates a birdie on the 6th green during the Afternoon Foursomes of the 2014 Ryder Cup on the PGA Centenary course at Gleneagles on September 26, 2014
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