Poulter on the prowl for top prize

Such is his strength of character, no one will rule out a victory at the DP World Tour Championship on Sunday, writes John McAuley.

Ian Poulter is in excellent form and says he is ‘swinging it the best’ he has in his career. Marwan Naamani / AFP

For someone seemingly perennially amped up, Ian Poulter’s pre-game playlist may surprise.

It is true, one of golf’s most rebellious frontmen apparently enjoys a little adrenalin-pumping “old-school garage music or dance music” en route to the first tee, but minutes before he draws the driver he will likely take things down a notch. Coldplay is a preferred choice. Hardly rock ‘n’ roll.

Poulter could be found drifting in the paradise of his inner sanctum on Saturday, moments ahead of his third round at Jumeirah Golf Estates, headphones plugged in, iPod Nano strapped to his belt buckle.

Four-and-a-bit hours later, the mood music had shifted considerably. Chris Martin was off the playlist; Poulter appeared to be channelling some Ozzy Osbourne, instead.

“I’m pressing really hard,” said the pumped world No 15, in reference to what is fast becoming a two-way duel with Henrik Stenson for the Race to Dubai title. “I’ve put myself in a position to try and kick his backside tomorrow.”

Of the other 55 players in Dubai this week, Stenson would probably prefer to be hounded by anyone but Poulter. The two are good friends, as their gentle wager over the season-long crown conveys, but the Englishman is notoriously one of the most obstinate guys in the game.

With the bit between his teeth, he is practically unshakable. For reinforcement, ask Jason Dufner or Zach Johnson, the Americans whose memories of last year’s Ryder Cup are no doubt stalked by images of Poulter, eyes bulging and throat muscles throbbing, as he provided the catalyst to a memorable European victory.

While no miracles are required today, Poulter is displaying that Medinah mindset.

“I’m up for it,” he said following a third round that leaves him four shots behind Stenson at the DP World Tour Championship. Should Poulter reel in the Swede and capture the tournament trophy, Stenson would then need to finish runner-up to prevent his rival from hooking the big one.

“I’m right there; I’m hunting,” Poulter said. “I caught him at one stage today, and I’ll catch him again tomorrow, don’t worry about that. It’s just whether or not I can hold on to him.”

Stenson represents a slippery customer, all right. A sparkling 2013 has allowed him to clamber back from the deep to surface third in the world rankings, yet Poulter is riding the crest of a wave, too. And this one is not showing any signs of breaking anytime soon.

In his past 15 rounds, Poulter’s birdie count has swelled to 86, with two eagles adding some shimmer to his extended scorecard. No wonder, then, that earlier this week he labelled his form the finest in his 17-year professional career.

“I’m playing as good as I’ve ever played,” he said. “I’m probably swinging it the best I ever have. And I’m as confident as I’ve ever been.”

A scary proposition. Not that he needs it, but the extra conviction is a significant weapon in the armoury. There are few in golf who ooze Poulter-esque assurance, his robust resoluteness chiselled from arriving late to the pro game after serving a lengthy apprenticeship as an assistant at a local club in England.

Twelve victories coaxed from the two main tours later – a pair of World Golf Championship trinkets among those – and Poulter is primed for further endorsement of his talent.

“Being the European No 1 would be a huge highlight in my career,” he said.

“For years now, I’ve been trying to win Order of Merits and have never been successful. Being in a position to do that tomorrow is really exciting.”

For someone whose default setting is charged, fireworks are forecast for Earth Course on Sunday. Poulter has come close to winning the event here before, when in 2010 he, in his own words, “played tiddlywinks” with his ball marker on the 18th green and subsequently lost a play-off to Robert Karlsson.

It is another Swede he is stalking this time, with Poulter typically boisterous on social media last night to fire friendly brickbats at Stenson.

“I am officially coming after you tomorrow,’ he tweeted. “I will give it my all. Do not look over your shoulder – I will be right there.”

You can almost hear the victory music from here.