Ryder Cup 2025: Ian Poulter slams ‘embarassing stupidity’ of US fans

Ryder Cup hero Ian Poulter has raised eyebrows ahead of this year’s event, slamming US golf fans and declaring he would like to “borrow the taser from the security guard” and “let one go per hole”.

Brendan Bradford

@1bbradfo

3 min read

September 25, 2025 - 4:12PM

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Ian Poulter isn’t even playing this weekend’s Ryder Cup, but the colouful English golfer caused arguably the biggest stir of its build-up.

Which is saying something considering the drama of President Donald Trump’s attendance at this year’s heated showdown to be held at Bethpage Black in New Jersey.

Extra security measures have been taken considering the political tension that has gripped America this year.

Arguments about player pay and a simmering rivalry between Rory McIlroy and Bryson de Chambeau have also dominated headlines.

Then Poulter opened his mouth.

The three-time PGA Tour winner appeared on a YouTube video for Sports Bible and said American golf fans display “embarrassing stupidity” and that he’d like to attack them with a taser.

“I actually just want to borrow the taser from the security guard,” he joked. “Just to let one go per hole would be amazing.

“Imagine that. You get one taser per hole, that’d be awesome.

“Right between the eyes. Have it.”

Ian Poulter wearing a postbox in 2018, because ‘The Postman’ always delivers at Ryder Cups. Picture: Getty Images

He was laughing, but added that European golf fans are much more civilised.

“F***ing mashed potato and all that bulls**t you hear is madness,” he said.

“It’s not heckling, it’s just complete and utter embarrassing stupidity.

“We don’t get that at the Open Championship. It’s only in America that the stupidness comes out. It’s just so annoying.”

Poulter’s European teammates nicknamed him ‘The Postman’ because he always delivers at the Ryder Cup, but this was one package they would’ve rather seen lost in transit.

The Keegan Bradley-captained American team will undoubtedly use Poulter’s wild outburst as motivation.

The boisterous New York crowd will take its anger out on the 12-man European team captained by Luke Donald while Poulter watches on from afar.

Rory McIlroy is likely to cop the brunt of the heckling, and his teammates have already come out in support of the Northern Irishman, who sealed a career Grand Slam at The Masters earlier this year.

Tommy Fleetwood is eager to play alongside McIlroy, even if it means his family missing the round in order to avoid the incessant chirping.

“We’ve all discussed as a team who feels comfortable, how the family would feel comfortable, what they want to do,” Fleetwood said. “It’s just, do they want to be out there and support?

“It’ll be very fluid throughout the week.”

Rory McIlroy ahead of this weekend’s Ryder Cup. Picture: Mateo Villalba/Getty Images

This European team isn’t afraid of hitting back though.

McIlroy can be abrasive and needed to be held back during an altercation with American caddie Joe LaCava at the Ryder Cup in Rome two years ago.

This time around, their digs are a little more subtle.

For the past 26 years, each American player has received $200,000 which they donate to charity. After recent arguments over pay, that figure has risen to $300,000 to charity and another $200,000 for themselves.

The Americans all say they’ll donate the full $500,000 to charity, but the bust up over pay was easy fodder for Donald.

“It’s not about prize money or world ranking points, it’s about pride, it’s about representing your flag, your shirts and the legacy you leave behind,” he said.

“We’re fuelled by something money cannot buy – purpose, brotherhood and a responsibility to honour those who came before us, while inspiring those whose time is yet to come.”