Ryder Cup hero Ian Poulter will return home this week, when the British Masters supported by Sky Sports returns to Woburn Golf Club, Buckinghamshire.
Ryder Cup hero Ian Poulter will return home this week, when the British Masters supported by Sky Sports returns to Woburn Golf Club, Buckinghamshire.
Ian Poulter has come a long way from the starry-eyed 15 year old who waited patiently to get Seve Ballesteros’ ball at the 1991 British Masters after walking the fairways with idol at Woburn Golf Club.
Inspired by that keepsake and the chance to watch his hero in person, the Englishman has become a global star in his own right, winning tournaments around the world en route to following Ballesteros into Ryder Cup folklore. He even managed to come agonisingly close to joining Ballesteros on the illustrious British Masters roll of honour, finishing runner up to his close friend Justin Rose when the tournament was last played at Woburn 13 years ago.
So it is with a genuine sense of pride that the 39 year old returns ‘home’ this week as tournament host, with his inimitable image adorning the tournament branding which can be spotted all around the Marquess’ Course.
Poulter has been a busy man in the build-up to this week, helping to promote the return of the British Masters supported by Sky Sports to a new audience.
But after the long lead time and all the hard work behind the scenes, the 12-time European Tour winner is determined to focus all his efforts on trying to lift the trophy on Sunday night on the 18th green, aptly enough in front of the Poulter Pavilion.
“I am very, very proud to have the tournament here this week,” he said. “We have had the discussions over the last two years to try and get the tournament home, speaking with the Tour. Finally we are here in the week after lots of work in the summer behind the scenes and now all of a sudden it's come to fruition.''
It is hard not when you think about Ian Poulter not to recall that Saturday afternoon at Medinah in 2012 when he dragged Europe back into contention against a dominant United States. But a victory this week, at his home club, in a tournament he is hosting would rate highly in terms of his own personal satisfaction.
“I’m anxious to get going now,” he said. “There has been a big build up to this tournament. It’s great we have it back on the schedule and I’m very proud to be tournament host.''
The British Masters gets underway on Thursday 8th October at Woburn Golf Club.
