A controversial captain's selection for the 2008 Ryder Cup, Poulter's ascent of the world rankings since then made his appearance this year a formality. Moreover, in winning the WGC World Matchplay Championship in February he also proved himself one of the sport's finest head-to-head performers. Back in 2008 Sir Nick Faldo was rumoured to have favoured Poulter but the 34-year-old from Hertfordshire repaid the faith, winning four of his five matches and impressing even his strongest detractors with his passion and ability to win tight encounters. Having won one and lost one match on debut in 2006 he now has an impressive 71% win rate in the event. If all of the above are huge positives, it is worth noting that ever since he led the Masters at the halfway stage, his form has slipped away. Poulter is rarely more dangerous than when apparently down, however, and his 14th place finish in The Barclays was his best since April.