A Personal History of a Maligned Tour Pro

HighSpeedScene · October 15, 2016

How gallant

Strömsborg · October 15, 2016

A 4 handicap in the UK is not the same as a 4 using the USGA handicap system.

Let's get that straight before this thread gets started...

Well, a 4 in the UK and a 4 in the USA could be considered identical if you compare them to a +4.

egr2teup · October 15, 2016

So...guy works hard...and gets rewarded. Good post, but a familiar story.

Familiar story? You're not mad, are 'ya? ;)

I find Ian's story unique to golf. Turned pro, or wanted to, as a 4 handicapper, struggled but found his way, eventually becoming a consistent presence in professional golf. He's had a good career.

Who else has done that? I don't know of anyone.

Most, not all, Euros come to the US to play college golf in preparation for the next level. The US kids, most of them have been playing since they got out of their diaper, with country club coaching along with parents financially capable of chauffeuring them across the US to play tournaments. They are well-groomed.

Ian didn't have that. He made chicken salad out of chicken **** and I give him props for it. Huge props. He's had a great career and has even made a brand for himself. Not many tour pros can say that.

One thing I prefer he wouldn't do is flaunt his wealth. I follow him on twitter ( shame on me, I suppose ), and he's always posting pictures of his opulence. Just my opinion, but I thought he might be a little more humble given his path. Still doesn't take away from the respect I have for him.

Anywho, that was a great OP by Christosterone. Thanks for taking the time to put it together.

puttingmatt · October 15, 2016

Thanks for the great read Christosterone, always like reading how the pro's made it.

golfgirlrobin · October 15, 2016

Larry Nelson's heart must be breaking for poor Ian's tough road to the PGA Tour.

puttingmatt · October 15, 2016

Larry Nelson's heart must be breaking for poor Ian's tough road to the PGA Tour.

Nelson is another great read,

AZBearcat · October 15, 2016

He cries to much for me and it's never his fault. I wonder if he will be around for much longer

firehead36 · October 15, 2016

I for one think it is a great back story but I also have no negative opinion of Mr Poulter, especially when I read articles about Dream Flight. Good for him.

augustgolf · October 15, 2016

Larry Nelson's heart must be breaking for poor Ian's tough road to the PGA Tour.

Too bad there isn't an option for a thumbs down here

I don't think Mr. Nelson has a dog in this fight. But thanks for deflection

Splitter · October 15, 2016

Mmmmmm.......

I'm pretty sure I read/watched Ian talk about NOT playing much and having to forge a signature on a HC card in order to play pro...

Could be mis-remembering or mis-understanding...

Still a great shop boy to riches story....

playa · October 16, 2016

Larry Nelson's heart must be breaking for poor Ian's tough road to the PGA Tour.

Lol, post of the week. I like my humour dry.

Lodestone · October 16, 2016

Who cares... too many big words for a golf forum.

Too many big words for you does not mean too many big words for a golf forum.

OP, I thought it was a great post. Somehow I managed to enjoy it despite all of those "big words"....

Lodestone · October 16, 2016

A 4 handicap in the UK is not the same as a 4 using the USGA handicap system.

Let's get that straight before this thread gets started...

I assumed wrxers know this....
But the point remains Ian wasn't shooting 66 and beating Graeme McDowell in an exhibition at the age of 16 like Rory...

would I be hijacking the thread to ask how the handicap system differs? Or more succinctly, is a 4 in UK better than a 4 in the US?

theironhorse · October 16, 2016

Great story. One we should all remember and have our kids read. Don't understand the "usual" hate for the guy, I get it, he's pretty raw, and when on the opposing team is the most hated guy in the room. Imagine if he were on the US Ryder Cup team with that record and swagger. Probably have a few different takes on the guy.

Either way, thanks for posting. As an American, his act rubs me wrong every couple years, but when you sit back and take it all in, the guys back story is amazing.

LeoLeo99 · October 16, 2016

Great story. One we should all remember and have our kids read. Don't understand the "usual" hate for the guy, I get it, he's pretty raw, and when on the opposing team is the most hated guy in the room. Imagine if he were on the US Ryder Cup team with that record and swagger. Probably have a few different takes on the guy.

Either way, thanks for posting. As an American, his act rubs me wrong every couple years, but when you sit back and take it all in, the guys back story is amazing.

So, you do understand it.

mx6262 · October 16, 2016

You are watching a high jacking in real time!!!!!!!!!

Lol,

theironhorse · October 16, 2016

Great story. One we should all remember and have our kids read. Don't understand the "usual" hate for the guy, I get it, he's pretty raw, and when on the opposing team is the most hated guy in the room. Imagine if he were on the US Ryder Cup team with that record and swagger. Probably have a few different takes on the guy.

Either way, thanks for posting. As an American, his act rubs me wrong every couple years, but when you sit back and take it all in, the guys back story is amazing.

So, you do understand it.

I think so?

BrianMcG · October 16, 2016

A 4 handicap in the UK is not the same as a 4 using the USGA handicap system.

Let's get that straight before this thread gets started...

I assumed wrxers know this....
But the point remains Ian wasn't shooting 66 and beating Graeme McDowell in an exhibition at the age of 16 like Rory...

would I be hijacking the thread to ask how the handicap system differs? Or more succinctly, is a 4 in UK better than a 4 in the US?

It's because they use the metric system. You have to convert a USGA handicap to feet then multiply by the circumference of the old larger European golf ball. Easy.

Philipp · October 16, 2016

would I be hijacking the thread to ask how the handicap system differs? Or more succinctly, is a 4 in UK better than a 4 in the US?

Yes, only scores shot in tournaments/competitive rounds count for handicap.

Your typical Saturday afternoon rounds with your best buddies don't count.

golfandfishing · October 16, 2016

Great story. One we should all remember and have our kids read. Don't understand the "usual" hate for the guy, I get it, he's pretty raw, and when on the opposing team is the most hated guy in the room. Imagine if he were on the US Ryder Cup team with that record and swagger. Probably have a few different takes on the guy.

Either way, thanks for posting. As an American, his act rubs me wrong every couple years, but when you sit back and take it all in, the guys back story is amazing.

The only reason I have a shred of like for him is his Ryder Cup persona. The way he flaunts his wealth and uses his fame to get people fired from their jobs is repulsive and for that he deserves an incurable case of crabs.

Christosterone · October 16, 2016

Larry Nelson's heart must be breaking for poor Ian's tough road to the PGA Tour.

Sold...love him...

He brought to bear in assassins mentality in the Ryder Cup surprising in its contrast to his unassuming nature..

Larrys story is a much more known one here in the states...

And as a reverse c acolyte I obsessively love anyone with that swing....

5:06 is an essay in reverse c perfection...tempo, balance and beauty in spades on that swing

-Chris

Christosterone · October 16, 2016

Who cares... too many big words for a golf forum.

Too many big words for you does not mean too many big words for a golf forum.

OP, I thought it was a great post. Somehow I managed to enjoy it despite all of those "big words"....

I don't mean to do it but I use speech to text and when I talk with the knowledge of it being written I tend to over use words not necessarily a normal part of my vernacular...

Christosterone · October 16, 2016

Larry Nelson's heart must be breaking for poor Ian's tough road to the PGA Tour.
Lol, post of the week. I like my humour dry.

I prefer mine positively Saharan as well which is why you tend to be one of, if not my favorite poster on the site

-Chris

caniac6 · October 16, 2016

Poulter is definately a +4 in the abrasive personality department.

whr · October 16, 2016

Cool story.

Bingo1976 · October 17, 2016

would I be hijacking the thread to ask how the handicap system differs? Or more succinctly, is a 4 in UK better than a 4 in the US?

Yes, only scores shot in tournaments/competitive rounds count for handicap.

Your typical Saturday afternoon rounds with your best buddies don't count.

AKA a proper handicap

ezpz · October 17, 2016

Don't care too much for poulter clothing/attitude wise but really like his story and I think all but a few pro players (living or dead) would not trade their ryder cup record for poulter's.

Stall · October 17, 2016

A 4 handicap in the UK is not the same as a 4 using the USGA handicap system.

Let's get that straight before this thread gets started...

I assumed wrxers know this....
But the point remains Ian wasn't shooting 66 and beating Graeme McDowell in an exhibition at the age of 16 like Rory...

would I be hijacking the thread to ask how the handicap system differs? Or more succinctly, is a 4 in UK better than a 4 in the US?

It's because they use the metric system. You have to convert a USGA handicap to feet then multiply by the circumference of the old larger European golf ball. Easy.

You know I like where you were going with the joke, but in order for it to be good, you have to base it in reality. We are talking the UK here, not mainland Europe. We use the imperial system. You don't come over here and see metres to the flag, or order any Royale's with cheese!

OK, pedantic post over. ;)

augustgolf · October 17, 2016

A 4 handicap in the UK is not the same as a 4 using the USGA handicap system.

Let's get that straight before this thread gets started...

I assumed wrxers know this....
But the point remains Ian wasn't shooting 66 and beating Graeme McDowell in an exhibition at the age of 16 like Rory...

would I be hijacking the thread to ask how the handicap system differs? Or more succinctly, is a 4 in UK better than a 4 in the US?

It's because they use the metric system. You have to convert a USGA handicap to feet then multiply by the circumference of the old larger European golf ball. Easy.

You know I like where you were going with the joke, but in order for it to be good, you have to base it in reality. We are talking the UK here, not mainland Europe. We use the imperial system. You don't come over here and see metres to the flag, or order any Royale's with cheese!

OK, pedantic post over. ;)

And the "older larger European golf ball" was actually "British, smaller and lighter". And lots of fun to play with, if you ever had the chance.

gvogel · October 17, 2016

Great story. One we should all remember and have our kids read. Don't understand the "usual" hate for the guy, I get it, he's pretty raw, and when on the opposing team is the most hated guy in the room. Imagine if he were on the US Ryder Cup team with that record and swagger. Probably have a few different takes on the guy.

Either way, thanks for posting. As an American, his act rubs me wrong every couple years, but when you sit back and take it all in, the guys back story is amazing.

The only reason I have a shred of like for him is his Ryder Cup persona. The way he flaunts his wealth and uses his fame to get people fired from their jobs is repulsive and for that he deserves an incurable case of crabs.

If you are talking about Ted Bishop, as an older gentleman Bishop had no business responding the way that he did. Ted Bishop got Ted Bishop fired. However, it was an over-reaction by Bevaqua and Sprague.