Golf Punk

This weekend sees golfer and car enthusiast Ian Poulter defend his Volvo Masters crown, on the Costa del Sol, where Sarah Drane caught up with him.

Valderrama is currently playing host to the Volvo Masters, a fitting tournament for a coastline that seems to have more golf bags whizzing round the airport luggage carousels than suitcases. This, the 18th Volvo Masters and the 13th to be played at the number one golf course in continental Europe, could find its place in golfing history if the 2004 champion, Ian Poulter, becomes the first man in the Master's existence to successfully defend his title. And that is exactly what he intends to do. In fact, in his words (to my face), "I'm buzzed up, I'm definitely going to win it again."

29 year old Ian Poulter is a man that wants to draw attention to himself and most importantly his game. He believes that golf is a sport to be enjoyed and makes every effort to bring it to the masses by adding a more than a touch of flamboyance to both his hair and his fashion. Ian's hair has been red (he's an Arsenal fan), black, blonde, burgundy and even blue. Ian has been seen sporting Union Jack slacks, pink plus fours and purple satin pants. This man could almost be single-handedly responsible for putting the sex into golf - and he not only looks good, he plays good.

Ian openly admits that if he wasn't a golfer, he'd be a racing driver, so myself and my client, Revo250, thought we'd rock up on his temporary doorstep close to Valderrama on Monday morning with a canary yellow Lamborghini for him to 'borrow' for the week. He coolly sauntered over to the car, wearing a brown t-shirt, jeans and a ruffled mop of spikey hair and said "that's alright innit - hang on a minute, I'll need to sort myself out for a photo". He returned five minutes later wearing a bright yellow t-shirt and dark trousers with yellow stitching down the seams. The man had actually dressed to match the car.

Apparently getting to grips with driving a Lambo is no problem for Ian who has already driven a Ferrari 360 Modena, Aston Martin DB9 and has a Ferrari F430 on order. In fact he's been behind the wheel of his mate's black Gallardo, also a 'left hooker' like Revo250's yellow version and his daughter Amy, age 3, assured me that "Daddy is a good driver".

So best of luck to Mr Poulter in this year's tournament, I hope he brings many smiles to many faces and let's also hope the Lambo comes back to us in pristine condition on Sunday.