Ryder Cup 2014: 'Mr Ryder Cup' Ian Poulter suffers heaviest ever defeat in loss to Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed

Poulter and playing partner Stephen Gallacher suffered a comprehensive 5&4 defeat to the two young Americans

Ian Poulter (Getty Images)

Ian Poulter has earned his nickname as ‘Mr Ryder Cup’ for his performances since making his debut in 2004, and deservedly so, given that no other European representative has contributed more points than the Englishman.

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It’s because of this fine record that Poulter will want to forget the first day of the 2014 Ryder Cup as soon as possible. Playing alongside home favourite Stephen Gallacher, Poulter suffered his worst ever defeat in the match play tournament, going down 5&4 to Ryder Cup rookies Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed.

It was a round that failed to get going, and one that saw Gallacher struggle to adapt to the rigours that the prestigious tournament poses. The Scot hit a number of errand shots that required Poulter to try his best to limit the damage inflicted, but in the end the two young Americans had built a big enough lead that they were heading back towards the clubhouse before they reached the 15th hole.

The defeat surpassed his largest losing margin that he has previously experienced, which actually came in his very first Ryder Cup round alongside Darren Clarke, as the pair went down 4&3 to former World No 1 Tiger Woods and Chris Riley.

While Poulter was left out of the afternoon foursomes session, it would be a shock not to see him again on Saturday, and with another round of fourballs and foursomes to go, ‘Poults’ will be eager to add to his collection of 12 points won for the continent.

He also maintains his record of having never halved a hole in 15 outings.