Ryder Cup: ‘Remarkable’ Poulter is main target for USA at Gleneagles

The 38-year-old Englishman has earned his place as Europe’s leader on the course after some remarkable performances in the event, thereby guaranteeing his place in the centre of America’s sights at Gleneagles.

Poulter has won 11 of his last dozen matches, with an overall record of 12 victories and just three defeats, and has been Europe’s top points scorer on his last three appearances.

So while four-time major winner McIlroy, the current Open and US PGA champion, may have the edge in individual competition there is no doubt who the Americans want to take down.

Asked who they were targeting, captain Tom Watson said: “We’ve got a lot of players to look at but Poulter, with his record – he’s an 80 per cent victor over the series of matches he’s played in. We’d like to reduce that.

“Certainly whenever you beat the stud on the opposing team that gives your team a boost, not a question, but when it’s all said and done it’s 12 guys out there trying to win a point each match.

“There are eight guys in the first four matches, and on the last on Sunday, 12 guys are trying to win a point.

“Basically, all you have to do is win a point and a half for the entire matches and you win The Ryder Cup.

“That’s the bottom line. That’s what I’m telling my players.”

The USA arrive in Scotland with memories of Europe’s miracle at Medinah two years ago still all too fresh in the minds of many.

Of the current team Bubba Watson, Jim Furyk, Phil Mickelson, Matt Kuchar, Zach Johnson, Keegan Bradley and Webb Simpson were all in the team which squandered a 10-4 lead late on the second day to lose by a single point as Europe fought back.

“I made it very clear to them this is a redemption trip,” said Watson. “If any players are on this team that played on that team then it’s time to make amends and try to redeem yourselves from what happened in 2012.”

Watson was hopeful there would be no over-stepping the mark from players or fans of either side.

“Of course in the Ryder Cup there’s not a lot of serenity,” he said. “There’s a lot of tension and pressure. The crowds are magnificent. There’s a moment for certain things to happen but there’s a line that you shouldn’t cross.”