17 professional titles to his name, spread across twelve countries – but on English soil? Not a single one, no victory for Ian Poulter. A surprising record for the Majesticks Golf Club Co-Captain, who faced questions this week at the LIV Golf United Kingdom Presented by JCB. He also knew who he had to thank, in part, for his home soil drought: his friend Lee Westwood.
The Belfry Curse
The year 2007 remains memorable, as Poulter and Westwood entered the final round of the British Masters at The Belfry tied for second place, right behind fellow countryman Mark Foster. Westwood then delivered a truly strong round of 65 and clinched the title. Poulter's 70 was only enough for a solo second place. 'That's probably why I've never won in Great Britain... Lee's performance that week was quite frustrating for me,' Poulter chuckled, sitting next to Westwood at the pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday, held ahead of the LIV Golf United Kingdom Presented by JCB.
The Houseguest's Betrayal
But 2007 wasn't Poulter's only drama at The Belfry, which is located near Birmingham. Already in 2003, he tied for second place, three shots behind Greg Owen. The year before was even more bitter: solo second, just one shot behind Justin Rose. The audacity of it? Rose was a guest at Poulter's house that week. 'I have to say, cooking him barbecue every night and letting him stay at my house, that was a bit cheeky,' Poulter quipped again. So, the hunt for his first home victory continues for 'The Postman' – perhaps even this week.
