Ian Poulter’s Ryder Cup dream kept alive thanks to Rich Beem

Ian Poulter was issued an invitation to play in Hong Kong only after Rich Beem offered to pull out

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Ian Poulter owes Rich Beem a ride in his Ferrari after an act of generosity that allows him to hang on to his European Tour card and retain his eligibility for next year’s Ryder Cup.

Having dropped out of the world top 50 on Monday, Poulter was no longer qualified to play in the WGC-HSBC Champions event in Shanghai next month, which left him one short of the 13 tournaments required to retain his European Tour membership.

Needing an extra event that he was not already committed to play over the concluding five weeks of the European Tour season, this week’s UBS Hong Kong Open became his only option. Poulter contacted the tour only to be told the field was complete.

Enter Mr Beem. The former US PGA champion, who had already travelled from Texas, was approached by tour officials and offered to withdraw to create a slot for the organisers to issue an invite to Poulter, who readily accepted.

Poulter made his appreciation known via social media. “Thanks to Beemer for giving up his invitation to allow me to play in Hong Kong. Where would you like me to take you for dinner?”

Beem’s generosity might yet come back to haunt the American if four-time Ryder Cup winner Poulter is part of another triumphant team.

The qualification process for Hazeltine next September began last month. Should Poulter not make the team automatically, it is inconceivable captain Darren Clarke would overlook him if he is showing any kind of form.

With Justin Rose and Graeme McDowell grouped alongside Dustin Johnson in Hong Kong, the event already had a Ryder Cup association. Also in the field is America’s Ryder Cup mascot Patrick Reed, who tees up with British Masters champion Matthew Fitzpatrick.