A recharged Ian Poulter is looking to make the perfect start to an important year at this week’s Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.
The Englishman is targeting success at the Majors and a place in Colin Montgomerie’s Ryder Cup side in 2010, having made a storming finish to 2009.
The World Number 12 showed tremendous consistency throughout last year which culminated in his eighth European Tour title at the Barclays Singapore Open in November en route to finishing ninth in The Race to Dubai.
His run did not stop after holding on to claim a nervy win at Sentosa, however, as Poulter went on to post three more top ten finishes and produce a solid display at the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in a globe-trotting run of seven consecutive tournaments.
Poulter said: “I think that the seven weeks worked well. Obviously getting the win early in the seven weeks was great and also having a few top tens as well.
“So I did exactly what I needed to do. It was great to win, to put some Ryder Cup points on the board and really have a nice seven weeks so I could relax over Christmas.
“This year I want to make The Ryder Cup side and I feel I should be contending in the Majors, which is a big factor this year. I’ll be working hard to be preparing for each Major so I can come out as strong as I possibly can.”
Poulter enjoyed a well earned five week break over Christmas and kicks off the new season at this week’s Abu Dhabi Golf Championship alongside another seven of the world’s top 20 - including European Number One Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy and defending champion Paul Casey.
“I like the golf course from what I remember. I’m looking forward to getting out there,” added Poulter, who boasts two top ten finishes in Abu Dhabi in 2006 and 2008.
“Obviously there is going to be a difference with the new wedges in the bag. I’ve been practising and there is definitely a difference, the ball is definitely releasing out in chip shots.
“The course lends itself to people who have got imagination with the short game and some feel. I am looking forward to getting out there.”
