Poulter to turn on the style in Abu Dhabi
Current golf world number 12, Ian Poulter, is set to turn on the style at this week’s Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.
Known for both his eye-catching outfits and his superlative golf skills, the 33-year old is hoping to make it third time lucky at the Championship, after finishing in tied 10th and 9th place in 2006 and 2008 respectively.
The event, which is organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) runs from 21-24 January.
With ten professional wins under his belt, Poulter is planning to go all-out to reverse roles with defending champion and fellow countryman, Paul Casey, the current world number eight.
“I would love to win the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship title,” says Ian Poulter.
“I was really disappointed not to be able to play last year due to illness. Doing well in Abu Dhabi can lead to bigger and better things so I’m really looking forward to it and am going to bring along a touch of my own style.”
Poulter became a household name in 2004 during the Open at Royal Troon, when he sported his now infamous Union Jack trousers, and has since boasted a virtual rainbow of colours, and cache of styles, as he single-handedly makes golf’s fairways impromptu catwalks.
Since turning professional in 1996, Poulter has continued to dazzle with his skills, playing his part in the European Ryder Cup victory in 2004 and, with four points out of a possible five, was the highest points scorer on either side during the 2008 Ryder Cup at Valhalla.
And with four top ten finishes in his last five events, including a win at the Barclays Singapore Open, Poulter is planning to hit the ground running in the UAE capital.
“Ian is a fantastic golfer and all-round showman who will attract a huge following, from UK supporters and fans across the world,” says Faisal Al Sheikh, Head of the Major Events Division at ADTA.
“He brings a distinctive edge to the tournament yet he will have to be at the very top of his game if he hopes to see off one of our toughest fields to date.”
The 2010 Championship formally begins on January 20 with the Al-Masaood Pro-Am and Awards Gala. All four days of the tournament will be covered live on TV reaching an audience of more than 400 million.
