Poulter not in the mood for pulling out

Ian Poulter will battle through his serious hay-fever and allergy issues to take his place at the Masters in two weeks. The world number 15 has struggled during his time in the States this season with his allergy to pollen really affecting his game and form. The 35-year old has been disappointing in the World Golf Championship tournaments so far in 2011 – with a first round exit at the Match Play and a tie for 45th in the Cadillac Championship – and will be looking to tighten up his game before teeing off at Augusta. Those following the golf betting will be wondering how he'll do.

With Poulter looking towards antihistamines in a bid to cure his allergy problems, the Englishman will be hoping to fresh and firing on all cylinders come two weeks time. Poulter has often hyped himself up as being one of the world's best players, and pressure really is on for the flamboyant 35-year old to start backing up all that talk. A good season this year, would certainly be helped with a strong showing at the opening major of the season as a springboard.

Of all the majors, Poulter will probably see the Masters as his most realistic option. The Englishman's ruthlessness on the greens and skill on the fairways has seen him record top-35 finishes in every one of his six visits to the Masters. Last year's tie for 10th was Poulter's best, but was tinged with disappointment after leading the pack at the half-way stage following back-to-back rounds of 68 in the opening two rounds. The US Masters betting suggests he'll have to dig deep this time around.

Poulter has plenty of respect for the unforgiving Augusta course, but is rightly confident and holds no fear where others certainly will.

"You know, I think I've learnt the golf course over the last six years, and to a degree, where I feel very comfortable out there hitting certain shots; there's a lot of shots that I didn't feel I was very comfortable pulling off six years ago, but certainly I am now," he said.

If Poulter can surprise a few people and finally pick up a maiden major, then everyone would have to sit up and take notice of this colourful character. This year could be his chance to prove there is more to this player than just a dynamite selection of leg-wear.