Ian Poulter''s surprise decision to pull out of the Johnnie Walker Championship this week has led to speculation that he is already assured of a place in Nick Faldo''s Ryder Cup team.
Because he will not qualify automatically, the Cobra golfer caused confusion when he announced he would not play at Gleneagles, as the Perthshire tournament is the final event before Faldo confirms his side.
However, Poulter''s close relationship with the European captain has caused some players to conclude that the 32-year-old has already been told that he features in Faldo''s Ryder Cup plans.
"All I can think of is that he''s been given the nod," Callaway''s Nick Dougherty told the Independent at Gleneagles yesterday.
"I''ve always thought Ian made his plans depending on his conversations with Nick," he added.
Instead of teeing off at the Johnnie Walker, Poulter will play in the Deutsche Bank Championship at TPC Boston in Massachusetts this week.
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