Poulter's gamble

Ian Poulter may have played his way out of next month's Ryder Cup by appearing in the US this week instead of the Johnnie Walker Championship at Glenagles.

Poulter could have sealed a European team place with a top-five finish in Scotland. He will now rely on captain Nick Faldo picking him as one of his two wild cards, but the American event does not finish until Monday, 24 hours after Faldo announces his team.

Poulter, who has spoken to Faldo about his decision, said: "It has been an extremely difficult decision, but the fact that Boston this week is my only opportunity to qualify for the final two FedEx Cup play-off events, as well as being my final opportunity to play my 15 events on the US Tour, conflicts with my ambition to earn a spot in the team."