Golf Ian Poulter is the first of Europe’s Ryder Cup heroes into action in 2013, but this week’s Hyundai Tournament of Champions in Hawaii is his only appearance until late February.

IAN POULTER is the first of Europe’s Ryder Cup golf heroes into action in 2013, but this week’s Hyundai Tournament of Champions in Hawaii is his only appearance until late February.

Part of a PGA Tour winners-only 30-strong field at Kapalua, the 36-yearold has been playing down his chances in the build-up to the £3.5million event – £686,000 of it to whoever comes first.

“I wouldn’t be picking me in any fantasy pick or bet this week even with my own money,” the Englishman said on Twitter. “It’s been a good Christmas.”

Poulter, who qualified with his second World Golf Championships victory in Shanghai in November, had a hectic end to last season and after this trip will not be playing competitively again until the first round of the Accenture Match Play in Arizona on February 20.

And in what he calls a “nice easy schedule”, he plans only two more tournaments before the US Masters in April.

Nine of the beaten American Ryder Cup side at Medinah last September – all but Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Jim Furyk – are also in the opening event of the new season.

Furyk was not eligible, while Mickelson and Woods turned down their places just like Rory McIlroy, Luke Donald, Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia.

Steve Stricker, whose devastating loss to Martin Kaymer ensured Europe kept the trophy, defends the title he won by three shots from Scot Martin Laird last January.

The only three Europeans playing are Poulter and Swedes Carl Pettersson and Jonas Blixt.

Woods and McIlroy both kick off their years at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in two weeks’ time.

Picture: Getty Images. Ian Poulter – plans a “nice easy schedule.”