CROMWELL, CONNECTICUT – JUNE 25: Ian Poulter of England walks to the ninth green during the first round of the Touring Championship at TPC River Highlands on June 25, 2020 in Cromwell, Connecticut. (Photo by Elsa / Getty Images)
Ian Poulter is one of the most experienced golfers on the PGA Tour. The Englishman had a good run at the WGC-Dell Match Play 2021, but was eliminated in the round of 16 on Saturday. After the defeat, Poulter adopted the format of the tournament at the Austin Country Club.
After Poulter faced the cut at the 2021 Players Championship and the subsequent Honda Classic, he did well at the WGC-Dell Match Play before entering the Knockout lost.
« I prefer the old way, to be honest, » said Poulter after his loss to Scottie Scheffler in the round of 16.
« It’s really easy. The simplicity of » Win yours. » Match or go home « is the right way to play in my opinion. A few years ago I beat Kevin Kisner in my first game and two days later we are in a playoff to get out of the group. He beats me and keep winning, « added Poulter.
» So I just beat the guy who won the tournament technically. It’s a little annoying to be honest. «
This outrage from Ian Poulter could resonate with other golfers who oppose the new round-robin format that has been in use at WGC-Dell Match Play since 2015.
The current format at WGC- Dell Match Play calls for each player to play three games in the group stage. The group leader will advance to the subsequent knockout round, but this has not been the case in the past.
Any player who played in the first Round loses its individual fight will be banned from the tournament, and many, including Poulter, believe this method should not be abolished.
« This group format is going to be a little funky. If some scenarios can arise in these group games, give it a try really very much if you are in a position where you can’t go any further? I’m not sure, « said Poulter.
» The sponsors pay a lot of money and the sponsors want the players as many days as are possible here. You have the right to do so, and I’m not saying it’s right or wrong, but I think there are a number of players who would like to go back to the old way of where you go home when you lose, ”he said .
While Ian Poulter remained unbeaten in his group, he stumbled in the round of 16 and lost to Scheffler. He has no complaints about the knockout games, but the process in the group stage is superfluous, says the 12-time winner of the European Tour.
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Arjun Athreya is a senior writer at Essential Sports who has been contributing since 2020. After developing a keen interest in sport from a young age, he graduated with a degree in journalism and graduated from Madras Christian College, one of the best institutions in India.
Arjun manages the golf department and its content, and primarily covers NBA news. He also contributes to the NCAA (college basketball) and tennis departments, and as an editor for unforeseen events at Essential Sports.
Outside of writing, Arjun has also conducted two virtual interviews with prominent figures in the sports world. He teamed up with noted NBA insiders Brandon « Scoop B » Robinson and Jerry Castello, the CEO of USA Natural Patches and the founder of a basketball tournament called « The 5 ».
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