Poulter accused of poor taste after serving up family's breakfast cereal in Ryder Cup 

By Mail on Sunday Reporter
Updated: 13:08 EST, 30 October 2010


Ryder Cup hero Ian Poulter has sparked outrage among golfing traditionalists after converting the prestigious trophy into a cereal bowl.

The flamboyant golfer - known for his unorthodox antics both on and off the fairways - videod himself at home pouring Cheerios and milk into the historic cup before tucking in with his children.

In the minute-long clip, which was uploaded on his Twitter page, Poulter says to the camera: 'This is breakfast with the Ryder Cup', before tipping the cereal in, pouring milk over it and eating it in his kitchen.

Fan favourite: Poulter was the toast of Europe during last month's Ryder Cup tournament at Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, Wales

Fan favourite: Poulter was the toast of Europe during last month's Ryder Cup tournament at Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, Wales

In another clip, Poulter sits in his car and says to the camera: 'Just going to dinner and sitting right beside me is the love of my life...', and pans to the Ryder Cup in the passenger seat. He also takes the cup for a round of golf.

Poulter, currently ranked 16th in the world, was part of the 12-man European team that clinched the cup after defeating the U.S in a nail-biting tournament last month.

But the antics have left some golf fans far from impressed, prompting comments such as: 'You are going to golf hell though poults, forever stuck in a bunker' to be posted on the golfer's Twitter page.

And the video was also condemned by Gary Silcock, director of golf at The Belfry - the spiritual home of the Ryder Cup.

'In some ways it appears disrespectful,' Mr Silcock said.

'I think taking a drink from it is one thing, to eat cereal with your children is another.

'It is not in keeping with the traditions of golf - but that's Ian Poulter himself. He does not keep to traditions. It would have been much better if he had not done it.'

Time for some fun: Poulter and team mates celebrate after last month's Ryder Cup victory. The golfer has won a reputation for his unconventional behaviour

Time for some fun: Poulter and team mates celebrate after last month's Ryder Cup victory. The golfer has won a reputation for his unconventional behaviour

This week an unrepentant Poulter said his critics were making a meal of the issue and that he only wanted to 'have fun' with the trophy.

'Totally no disrespect meant with RC, life is about enjoying yourself, I would hate to grow old and be miserable. That I assure you won't happen,' he wrote on his Twitter page

'If you pour blood, sweat and tears for a trophy and make it your life to help win it and not be able to have fun with it, then something is wrong,' he added in a subsequent post.

'It's probably the same 12 people that complained about me wearing the union jack trousers. You can't please everyone.'

 

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