Poulter focuses on the positives

Last updated: 25th February 2013

Ian Poulter was left disappointed by his fourth place at the Match Play Championship but admits some good came from the week.

Poulter, who was a shining light at last year's Ryder Cup, won the Championship in 2010 and heading into the semi-finals was a favourite to go all the way at Dove Mountain.

However, the Englishman was brushed aside by a rampant Hunter Mahan who looked on course to defend his title. Poulter then limped to defeat to Jason Day in the third-place play-off.

While he may not have claimed the victory, fourth place was enough to boost Poulter into the top ten on the world rankings, a feat made more impressive by the fact that he was using new equipment.

"I came here with 13 out of 14 clubs in the bag which were brand new," he said. "They seem to be working really nicely. The ball flight has changed, I'm hitting it a little further off the tee. I can also get to the pins more easily because my ball flight has been higher.

"It was a shame [not to win] but everything that has happened this week is good."

Poulter's appearance in Arizona was only his second of the season, having previously turned out at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions in early January.

The 37-year-old admits that he prefers to play a limited schedule in order to insure he remains fresh.

"You can't do it every week if you are slightly tired. You have to be switched on and ready to go. I feel fresh as a daisy today. It's unbelievable really, I played a lot in the five days. It's a lesson to learn. Take some time off, stay fresh," he explained.

"You have got to take the breaks. You don't realise what it takes out of you when you go gallivanting about around Asia and all over the place, trying to play golf.

"There are enough good tournaments in the world to play a decent schedule."