Abu Dhabi: Being part of Europe’s victory in last weekend’s EurAsia Cup galvanised Ian Poulter’ charge up the leaderboard to a five-way share of the lead at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, the Englishman revealed on Saturday.
Poulter revels in match-play golf, particularly at the Ryder Cup, and enjoyed the perfect preparation for this year’s biennial showdown in Europe’s 18½–5½ thrashing of Asia in Malaysia.
Five birdies in his 13 completed holes of the third round at Abu Dhabi Golf Club have propelled Poulter to 10-under par, which he feels owes much to the sharpness he gained last weekend. “It’s match-play golf and whenever you go head to head, you get the juices going and that’s obviously nice as the first tournament of the year. I think it’s done me some good and I am looking forward to the challenge of the next 26 holes.”
Joining Poulter at the top of the leaderboard is Rickie Fowler, the world number six.
The American was delighted to have finished with two birdies at the 10th and 11th, commenting: “My game feels good. I’m swinging really well.
“It’s going to be a long day on Sunday but I’m looking forward to it. There’s a lot of golf to be played and more time to make birdies.”
