ABU DHABI HSBC GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

January 19, 2022

Ian Poulter

Yas Links

Quick Quotes

Q. This tournament is one you've supported in the past but this year, totally different test, new course. What are your thoughts heading into this week?

IAN POULTER: It's a good golf course. I played it probably five years ago, I think the Gary Player Pro-Am and I was pretty impressed with the layout then. It's in pretty immaculate condition.

We have some high kinds forecasted on Friday, so hopefully it's not too strong that it takes us off the golf course because it will be a severe test in that wind. But it's a clever golf course, the way it wraps around, the two nines. You've got some great, cool pin positions, you can have right on The edge of the water. It's going to be good viewing for everyone back home to watch and obviously it will be fun for us to play.

Q. You have a busy schedule, playing seven of eight weeks and starting with two Rolex Series back-to-back. How important are those Rolex Series to the DP World Tour?

IAN POULTER: Well, it's great to elevate these two tournaments the way the DP World Tour have done. It gives us great opportunity. Next week is a course we know incredibly well, a course that I've played well in the past as well, so I'm looking forward to a busy kind of three-month schedule leading into the Masters.

I always kind of plan my schedule that way. I need to get back to the Top-50 or 54 in the world or something like that. Playing in big tournaments with good fields should help.

Q. New year, new goals, perhaps resolutions. Anything you're looking towards this year to sort of change?

IAN POULTER: I've been doing it now for a long time so there's really nothing I need to change. It's been pretty good so far, the last 24 years, so I don't need to change anything. I obviously always need to reset goals and have a look at what it is I warrant to work harder on.

The younger generation of players are making us oldies work harder. Luke is one of these younger generational kids at 17 that hits it past me, and I need to somehow attempt to try and stay as close as I can to him so he keeps me playing, and keeps me keen and that's refreshing for me as a guy who has just turned 46 and I'm still kind of knocking on the door and still feel I have room to improve. With great golf, obviously that will tick a lot of good boxes.

Q. You mentioned your son; but he's still not beating you?

IAN POULTER: He hasn't. And I am holding him off, so that day will happen. I think it will be a great day for him. It will be an exciting day for me obviously to see his growth in the game and he's got a long way to go. He's definitely not there yet.