Poulter poised to return
England’s Ian Poulter is set to return to action the week after next after taking more than a month off from competition.
After taking more than a month off – and being criticised by Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie for not playing for Britain and Ireland – Ian Poulter is set to return to action the week after next.
But whether it is in the Far East or in Europe remains to be seen.
Poulter has entered for the Barclays Singapore Open, but would come into the 16-man field for the Volvo Match Play Championship in Spain if Martin Kaymer is unable to take his place.
The German last played at the USPGA Championship on August 16.
He was then involved in a go-karting accident and needed surgery after breaking toes.
Kaymer, who in his absence has lost the European Tour number one spot to Rory McIlroy, is due back at this coming week’s Castello Masters in Spain.
But if there is any setback, of course, there would be a question mark about his participation in the Match Play at Finca Cortes in near Marbella.
Whereas most events are over four rounds winning that title involves seven – first there are three 18-hole group games, then 36-hole semi-finals and final.
So Poulter could have a late change of plan – and he does not yet know what the following week holds either.
He wants to play the HSBC Champions event in Shanghai, but is not yet qualified for it.
There are, however, two spots reserved off the world rankings on Monday week and he could yet take one of those.
Paul Casey has been out even longer than Kaymer because of his rib muscle problem. He is expected back at the Match Play, but even if he cannot play that is no use to Poulter.
It would be Robert Karlsson who came in because that his spot was determined by the world rankings on August 17 rather than September 27.
Just to make things a trifle more confusing, if any of the other 14 players withdraws it would be Dane Soren Kjeldsen who steps in.
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