I’M OPEN FOR GOOD RUN NOW
IAN POULTER hopes a return to next year’s Ryder Cup venue can help drive him up the world rankings as he targets seven tournaments this summer.
Poulter has never missed the cut in 11 appearances in the French Open at Le Golf National – which will host next year’s contest between Europe and the USA.
He was third there in 2006 and 2009 then fourth in 2012 and needs good results in his next three starts to claim one of the nine available places at Royal Birkdale via the Open Qualifying Series.
Moving into the world’s top 50 from 81st would also secure a place in the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational ahead of the year’s final Major, the US PGA Championship at Quail Hollow.
Poulter said: “This is a week where I’ve performed very well in the past.
“I’ve got my sights on playing some really good golf over the next number of weeks. It’s potentially a long schedule I have in the summer. If I can play the way I’d like to in the next three events, the French Open, Irish Open, Scottish Open, and somehow make my way into The Open, that’s four in a row.
“I’m playing the Canadian Open, that’s five. If I bring myself into the top 50, WGC is the week after and then the US PGA.
“I have to manage how I prepare. Play well, rest up and hopefully I can go on a long run.”
Martin Kaymer’s already secured his place at Birkdale, via his 2014 US Open win. And the German is looking forward to playing in France where he won in 2009 and was fourth last year.
He said: “It’s one of those courses I’ve really enjoyed.”