Ian Poulter has never missed a cut at Augusta. But is this the year the Ryder Cup hero goes all the way?
Ian Poulter has never missed a cut at Augusta. But is this the year the Ryder Cup hero goes all the way?
He's perhaps the greatest Ryder Cup player of the last 20 years but Ian Poulter still has a huge thirst for individual success.
The Englishman has already banked a World Golf Championship and risen as high as number five in the world rankings but he knows it's a first major which will elevate him to the next level.
He's threatened on a couple of occasions, including his most recent, when a sensational burst at the start of the 2012 USPGA at Whistling Straits took him to within a shot of Rory McIlroy before the Ulsterman accelerated over the horizon.
So after that third place and string of strong performances at Augusta, is Poulter ready to win The Masters?
We talk to Ian about his hopes for Augusta, his past performances there, his favourite hole and his latest clothing collection.
Sky Sports: You've made eight cuts out of eight at Augusta, finished top 10 in two of the last three and posted your best finish of seventh last year. It seems like you're getting closer to the Green Jacket. Do you feel that yourself?
Ian Poulter: Absolutely. Winning The Masters is all about knowing the course and how to play to different hole locations. The course has always fit my game but every year I learn a little more and that has paid off in the last couple of years.
Sky Sports: You produced an incredible run of birdies in the final round of last year's USPGA and famously closed with four in a row to win your Ryder Cup fourballs with Rory last September. Have you ever had a burst like that at Augusta?
IP: Never a run quite as good as those but I have had some really good stretches at the Masters.
Sky Sports: In last year's Masters you took 109 putts for the week which was the second lowest in the field. Did you feel you read the greens better than normal last year?
IP: I don't think I read the greens any better than normal but I put my ball in the right position to make putts.
Sky Sports: You're added some extra length off the tee this year. Will that be a big plus at Augusta?
IP: Yes, I am hitting it farther with my driver which will help on a lot of holes and higher and longer with my hybrids which will come help my scoring on the par fives.
Sky Sports: You've already had a hole-in-one at Augusta (at 16). Last year, at the sixth, you came close to your second. Back on the tee, did you think it was in?
IP: It looked pretty good from the tee... I am always looking to take home some crystal (received for eagles and hole-in-ones)!
Sky Sports: Although the hole-in-one produced the biggest roar, what's the best shot you've ever hit at Augusta?
IP: That is a tough one. I have hit so many it is hard to pick. I have to say the hole in one was pretty perfect!
Sky Sports: What's your favourite hole at Augusta?
IP: Probably the 16th because it is one of the shortest par threes we will play all year and guys will make everything from a 1 to a 7 during the tournament.
Sky Sports: Is there a hole which you find particularly challenging and are just glad to get out of there with par?
IP: Not really.
Sky Sports: What's the most memorable Masters you've played in or watched?
IP: I watched them all as a kid but playing in my first Masters in 2004 was pretty special (Ian finished T31).
Sky Sports: How would you rate your own form so far this year?
IP: My game is in fantastic shape. I am hitting it longer and straighter than ever and have been putting extremely well since the Ryder Cup last year. I am just excited for the tournament to get started.
Sky Sports: Imagine it's Sunday afternoon and you're tied for the lead. Who would you most like to go head-to-head with down the back nine at Augusta?
IP: Anyone as long as I come out on top!
Sky Sports: Talking of the Green Jacket, your new spring summer collection is online now, what can we expect this season?
IP: There are some fantastic new designs this year. Our team has done a tremendous job coming up with some new looks that everyone will love. The tech trousers are pretty exciting because they are a little lighter pant and cooler during the summer months.
IP: Trousers are a big focus of the new collection. We always want to lead with the legs and the trousers are often overlooked by many people, but not us! We have designed each line so people can use one pair of trousers with multiple shirts to create a variety of looks. I love the new line!
Can you tell us what you'll be wearing at Augusta?
IP: I can! You can see my outfits on
www.ijpdesign.com.
Sky Sports: How important is the fit of golf clothes in relation to how you play?
IP: Confidence is everything in golf and the better you look the more confident you will be so I think our line makes people feel good about what they are wearing. Our clothes also fit great, which is a big part performance.
Sky Sports: Thanks Ian and good luck at Augusta.
* See Ian's latest clothing range in full at www.ijpdesign.com
