Ian Poulter

Ian James Poulter (born 10 January 1976) is an English professional golfer who is a member of the world's top two professional golf tours, the U.S.-based PGA Tour and the European Tour. He has previously been as high as number five in the world rankings. He is the touring professional for Woburn Golf and Country Club which is situated in Bedfordshire.

Early career

Born in Hitchin, Poulter took up the game aged 4 when his single-handicap father, Terry, gave him a cut-down 3-wood. His older brother Danny is also a professional golfer.

Unable to get a place as a pro at a private club, Poulter became the assistant pro and golf shop manager at the Chesfield Downs Golf Club. There he was forced by his boss to pay a full green fee every time he wanted to play in a competition. His handicap hence stayed at four, because he did not play in competitions.

Professional career

Poulter turned professional in 1996 aged 19, gaining his first win at the 1999 Open de Côte d'Ivoire on the European Tour's second tier Challenge Tour; he won promotion to the European Tour itself via the qualifying school later that year. In his first season, he claimed the Italian Open title and was the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year for 2000. Further wins followed in each of the next four seasons, most prestigiously the season ending "tour championship" the Volvo Masters in 2004. He was in the top ten on the Order...
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