LIKE many sports, the world’s golfing stars often take to social media

LIKE many sports, the world’s golfing stars often take to social media

Twitter is a favourite – an immediate way of keeping in touch with your fans – and of course fans can send message ‘tweets’ in return.

One of the biggest users of Twitter is Ian Poulter.

Ian has embraced Twitter for many years and it is very much suited to his charismatic style and forthright opinions.

However, while most stars stick to the plain and obvious on the social networking site, Poulter – much to many’s amusement – is happy to have a rant!

Indeed it did not take long for him to have his first Twitter rant of the new year.

NBC commentator Johnny Miller criticised the Ryder Cup star about the time he took over a putt during the windswept Tournament of Champions in Hawaii last week.

Poulter responded by tweeting: “Johnny Miller why don’t you come interview me live and say that stuff straight to my face...... Was you watching a different channel?”

After seeing a replay, though, Poulter did add: “Really sorry I took way to (sic) long on 11th.... Just trying to win a golf tournament. Trying to do my job.”

For me, Ryder Cup hero Poulter may rub some up the wrong way, but his stock has never been higher, as he is a guy that people can identify with.

Twitter has some very good uses, and shows a side to sports stars most fans wouldn’t normally see.

LOVE GOLF? Read Mike Bacon’s thoughts every Saturday in the EADT and weekdays in the Ipswich Star

Top golfing tweeters

1 TIGER WOODS 2.8m followers

2 RORY MCILROY 1.4m

3 IAN POULTER 1.4m

4 STEWART CINK 1.1m

5 BUBBA WATSON 780,000

6 LEE WESTWOOD 503,000

7 RICKIE FOWLER 433,000

8 GRAEME McDOWELL 466,000

9 JOHN DALY 358,000

10 DARREN CLARKE 218,000