Joy Rider

In the space of twelve years, Ian Poulter has gone from earning HK$40 an hour as an assistant pro selling hot sausage rolls to the thirteenth best player in the world. As Alex Jenkins explains, there’s a lot more to the colourful Englishman than meets the eye.

2009 Singapore Open ChampionThe Poulter File

Born: January 10, 1976
Place of birth: Hitchin, England
Attachment: Woburn Golf & Country Club
Residence: Orlando, Florida & Milton Keynes, England
Turned Pro: 1994 (4 handicap)
Family: Wife: Katie; Children: Aimee-Leigh (2002), Luke (2004), Lilly-Mai Grace (2009)

European Tour wins: Italian Open (2000 and 2002), Moroccan Open (2001), Wales Open (2003), Nordic Open (2003), Volvo Masters (2004), Open de Madrid (2006), Singapore Open (2009).

Favourite airline: British Airways. I’m a true patriot.
Frequent flier programme: I’m with One World and Virgin’s FFP, but the funny thing is I’ve never spent a single mile. I’ve got over two million stashed away.
Favourite hotel: The Fullerton in Singapore is as good a place as I’ve ever stayed. Magnificent rooms, excellent food and a really comfy bed.
Favourite car: I’ve got seven, but I really like my Bentley GT. It’s both smart and casual.

Favourite courses: Augusta National, Valderrama, Loch Lomond, the Old Course at St Andrews and Woburn. In Asia, I like the Serapong Course at Sentosa (Singapore), the Olazabal Course at Mission Hills (China), and the Phoenix Golf Resort and the Gotemba Course at Taiheyo Club, site of the 2001 World Cup (both Japan).

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Written by Alex Jenkins

Click here to see the published article.

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