The last time Ian Poulter competed in Australia it was 2013 when he finished runner-up in the JBWere (Australian) Masters and an event he had won two years earlier in Melbourne.
Now the popular Englishman is returning to join former champion Adam Scott heading again ‘Down Under’ for a 14th time in his career to tee-up at the Australian PGA Championship on the Gold Coast.
A 12 time winner on the European Tour with a career high world ranking of Number 5, Poulter will tee off his 2017 season at the Australian PGA Championship with the tournament co-sanctioned by the European Tour and ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.
“Australia really is a fantastic place to play golf, I always receive such strong support from the fans, so I am looking forward to playing the Australian PGA Championship,” said Poulter, who has played on Australian soil a previous 13 times.
Ian Poulter is no stranger to victory in Australia having captured the 2011 JBWere (Australian) Masters.
“To be playing a European Tour event down here is an opportunity I jumped at. It’s a great chance to come back to a country I have previously performed well in and kick start my season.
“Plus, the Gold Coast sounds like my kind of place; sun, sand and plenty of entertainment. I’m looking forward to checking it out after my rounds.”
A popular player with fans, Poulter will add some colour to the tournament which is building a festival atmosphere.
“This year at the Australian PGA Championship we are creating a festival of golf and we feel like Ian Poulter, with his engaging personality, will complement this nicely,” said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia.
“But not only is Ian a great character he is an exceptional player. Aussie golf fans love watching talented players with personality so we are sure that Ian will be a big hit on the Gold Coast this year.”
This season has been a challenging year for Poulter, with a foot injury sidelining him, but Australia has seen him produce some excellent results over the years.
In his last trip to Australia, Poulter went head-to-head with Adam Scott at the 2013 Australian Masters, eventually finishing runner-up.
The Englishman will have the chance to get one up on the Queenslander when they both tee it up at the Australian PGA Championship.
Poulter and Scott will be joined by a talented line-up of players including Marc Leishman, Scott Hend, Marcus Fraser, Harold Varner III and defending champion Nathan Holman.
The Australian PGA Championship is proudly supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland’s It’s Live! in Queensland major events calendar and is being staged at RACV Royal Pines Resort from 1-4 December with tickets on sale via Ticketek.
- Thanks to PGA of Australia
