Ian Poulter on unblemished Masters record, what it takes to win at Augusta and the latest IJP collection.
Englishman on unblemished record, what it takes to win and fashion
Sky Sports: Hi Ian. This will be your eighth Masters. Do you still get that same feeling of excitement when driving down Magnolia Lane?
Ian Poulter: Absolutely! When you arrive for the week and drive up Magnolia Lane it gives you goosebumps. The atmosphere at The Masters is so much different to anywhere else.
Sky Sports: Do you plan to get in some practice rounds at Augusta in the weeks before the tournament begins? And how useful are these?
Ian Poulter: I may fly up to Augusta to get one practice round in. The course doesn't play too much like it does during the tournament but it gives you the feel for the golf course and an early look at any of the subtle changes they have made to the course.
Sky Sports: You had a great win in Australia at the end of 2011. Tell us about your start to the 2012 season and your aims for the rest of the year.
Ian Poulter: My off-season has been great, first and foremost because of the arrival of my fourth child, and second little boy, Joshua James. I have also been able to get some good practice and gymwork done and feel more prepared for the season than I have in a few years. I started in Phoenix where I played okay and am looking forward to a great 2012 (since we spoke, Ian warmed up for Augusta with an excellent third place at Bay Hill).
Sky Sports: What do you think are the keys to winning at Augusta and do you think the course suits your game?
Ian Poulter: There are many things that you need to do well at Augusta to win but mainly you need to hole your fair share of putts. I love the course and have been able to play pretty well there over the years. Hopefully this time I can take it one step further and challenge for the Green Jacket.
Sky Sports: What are your favourite holes and are there any holes you struggle with, ones that perhaps don't fit your eye or shot shape?
Ian Poulter: There are so many great holes at Augusta but one I really enjoy is 16, I had a hole-in-one there a couple of years ago and it is one of my most memorable moments. There are not many I don't like but one of the toughest is definitely the long par four 11th. You have to hit two great shots on that hole every day. I would take four 4s on that hole right now!
Sky Sports: Do you believe in the theory that Augusta suits those who draw the ball?
Ian Poulter: There are so many different shots you have to hit at Augusta, draws, fades, high shots etc. I don't think it particularly suits a drawer of the golf ball but someone who is able to work the ball well. If you are one dimensional you will struggle around Augusta.
Sky Sports: You've made seven cuts out of seven in The Masters, finishing a best of 10th in 2010 whilst never finishing outside the top 33. Are you proud of that record or do you think you've actually missed some good opportunities to make it even better?
Ian Poulter: I am definitely proud of my record at Augusta and have been fortunate to play consistently over the years. However, no-one remembers who finished top 33. My goal is to win and hopefully I can put myself in position to do that this year.
Sky Sports: Do you think The Masters presents your best chance of winning a Major?
Ian Poulter: That's tough to say but I do think I can play well enough to win there
Sky Sports: Will the family be coming along to take part in the Par 3 Contest?
Ian Poulter: The family will definitely be there. The Par 3 is one of the best parts of the week, I look forward to it every year!
Sky Sports: Your clothing always attracts plenty of attention at each major so can you give us a heads-up on what you might wear at Augusta this year?
Ian Poulter: You will have to wait and see! I'll be wearing the new collection for Spring/Summer 2012 for IJP Design which is our biggest and most exciting collection yet. Lots of great colours and new items which I know all IJP Design fans will love. I always get really excited to pick my outfits for tournaments. Hopefully if I look good I'll play great.
Sky Sports: Be honest, have you ever chosen your Sunday outfit on the basis that it might go well with a Green Jacket?!
Ian Poulter: I should shouldn't I! Each IJP Design collection has four different colour palettes to choose from so hopefully I should find something to match!
Sky Sports: You've got two new brand ambassadors wearing IJP clothing this year, Bud Cauley and Gary Boyd. You know Gary well but how did Bud get to come on board?
Ian Poulter: Bud is managed by my management company Icon Sports in the USA and a great guy and a player to watch! Gary and Bud are both excellent young golfers and fit the IJP brand really well. It's great to see IJP on the course in all the tournaments.
Sky Sports: When will we see the Spring/Summer collection in the shops?
Ian Poulter: The collection officially launched on March 1st. IJP's first ever junior collection is launching at the same time for Spring/Summer 2012 and watch this space for the first ladies collection.
Sky Sports: Thanks Ian and play well!
* To see/order Ian's new collection, go to
www.ijpdesign.com
