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Ian Poulter and Patrick Reed are Golf’s “Bad Boys”

By Billy Dowling

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Feb 28, 2015; Palm Beach Gardens, FL, USA; Ian Poulter tees off on the 16th hole during the second round of the Honda Classic at PGA National GC Champion Course. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Bad Boys, we love them, hate them, and need them.  The Seattle Seahawks are brash, outspoken and aggravate plenty of football fans but still win the hearts of others.  The Detroit Pistons of the 80s and early 90s bashed and bruised their way through the NBA winning two titles.  The Philadelphia Flyers of the 70s were called “The Broad Street Bullies” because they literally bullied their way to Stanley Cups.  Across the country they’re hated but they will never have to pay for a drink again in Philly.

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Golf is no different.  Just because it can come off as a game for the privileged, it has its fair share of “Bad Boys.”  They may not be punching other golfers in the face, but Ian Poulter and Patrick Reed are the Richard Sherman and Isaiah Thomas of the links.  These guys aren’t afraid to speak their minds.  As we prepare for a marathon Sunday and inevitable Monday at The Honda Classic, these two are putting on their leather jackets, getting new tattoos, and revving up their Harleys for a chance to chase down the title.

At the start of the day leader Padraig Harrington is one in front of Reed and two better than Poulter.  Reed hasn’t hit a shot on PGA National since his scintillating 67 on Friday and to me is the favorite.  There’s just something about a lurking Ian Poulter that makes me think the Ryder Cup legend will be someone to look out for.

Healthy again for the first time in a while Poulter matched the low round of the tournament with a blazing six under 64 in the second round.  The nagging back and wrist injuries that hampered his 2014 season are in the rear view mirror and the thirty-nine year old may be ready to compete again.

"“If I play half as (well) as I played round two, I’m going to have a chance. Obviously, being stronger and healthier is the key to playing good golf.” (Credit Palm Beach Post)"

Poulter’s 2014 injury riddled season was one to forget.  He had just on top 10 on the PGA Tour and failed to qualify for the final two FedEx Cup events.  He didn’t qualify for the European Ryder Cup team on points but there was no chance the “Menace at Medinah” would be kept off the squad.  The guy who was the face of the “Miracle at Medinah” in 2012 was pedestrian to say the least this past year at Gleneagles.

"“Looking at it now it’s obviously good I didn’t play every match,” he said. “I wasn’t strong enough to play every match. (Credit Palm Beach Post)"

With Poulter on the mend Reed took over as this year’s Ryder Cup villain.  He already has a knack for causing a stir in the golf community.  Once he thought hew was one of the five best players on the planet.  Then as the U.S. hung on for dear life at Gleneagles, he tried to literally silence the loud European crowds.

Reed talks the talk, but he certainly walks the walk on the course. Four wins since 2013 including a World Golf Championship event and in Hawaii this year.  The guy knows how to get it done, and can do that in the most difficult of conditions.  His twin 67s to open the tournament were in my mind the two best rounds of the week.  Battling through gusting winds on Thursday and George Clooney’s “Perfect Storm” on Friday was no easy task, but Reed came through.

"“Today (Friday) with being two over through two and with the rain, the cold and also the wind started picking up to be able to play bogey free and shoot five under from there was a pretty solid day” (Credit PGATour.com)"

There’s that old saying, “when things get tough the tough get going.” Sunday will be a grind to say the least and then Monday finishers can be an annoyance. You need guys who know how to fight and thrive on the competition. Reed and Poulter know how to do that.  They say that chicks dig the “Bad Boys” and look out for these two guys to be the center of attention at PGA National.

Next: Harrington Leads The Honda

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