Love him or loathe him, Ian Poulter has you on the edge of your seat

Hello. Welcome to Dialled In, and it’s Masters week!

OK. Breathe.

Are you breathing? Good. Some admin…

First of all, did you know we have a dedicated website for the first major of the year? You should, I’ve mentioned it plenty of times. Anyway, you can check that out here. There are loads of fascinating exclusive interviews, betting guides, quizzes and anything else you could wish to find.

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Anyway, back to business and what a ridiculous year for Ian Poulter.

First he gets told he’s lost his PGA Tour card, then is told there was a mistake and actually he’s alright.

Then at the WGC Match Play he gets told he’s qualified for The Masters when in fact he hadn’t.

Then, having missed out on a spot at Augusta by a single world ranking spot, heads to Houston and wins his first strokeplay event on American soil to book his ticket to Georgia.

What a rollercoaster ride it was, and if you’re anything like me you’ll have been on the edge of your seat throughout.

When Beau Hossler holed a fourth birdie in a row to pull level…

Ian Poulter has found himself in a match play situation with Beau Hossler.

Medinah Mode: Activated. pic.twitter.com/TfNHnTYAXt

— Alex Perry (@AlexPerryNCG) April 1, 2018

Then Poults almost immediately chunked a chip…

Sorry everyone.

— Alex Perry (@AlexPerryNCG) April 1, 2018

But it’s OK because he birdied 18 to force a play-off…

Just kidding.

— Alex Perry (@AlexPerryNCG) April 1, 2018

Also…

If having a baby has taught me anything, it's that I'm really good at doing a full-blown celebration in complete and utter silence.

— Alex Perry (@AlexPerryNCG) April 1, 2018

But seriously…

I struggle to hold my nerve if I'm going down 18 playing a mate for a fiver.

Imagine doing it for 1.2 million and a spot at The Masters for crying out loud.

— Alex Perry (@AlexPerryNCG) April 1, 2018

I did feel sorry for him, honest…

Nice of Beau to demonstrate exactly how I'd deal with that hole there.

— Alex Perry (@AlexPerryNCG) April 1, 2018

And this was just an open goal…

Fun fact: When Ian Poulter flies anywhere he has to pay oversized baggage fees for his balls.

— Alex Perry (@AlexPerryNCG) April 1, 2018

And a promising message from someone I’m sure we’re all hoping is Poulter’s Ryder Cup captain come September…

Well done @IanJamesPoulter
Absolute class all day!!!
Have an amazing time next week
You deserve it

— Thomas Bjorn (@thomasbjorngolf) April 1, 2018

And here’s what the man himself had to say…

.@IanJamesPoulter talks to the media after his playoff win at the @HouOpen. https://t.co/6HgRUyBnT2

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 1, 2018

And, because it was the standout moment of the day…

pic.twitter.com/deEQcEyJ3O

— Skratch (@Skratch) April 1, 2018

Poulter divides opinion, mainly because of his personality and tweets about his nanny having to fly in economy, but I’ve never had anything but pleasant experiences with him. This isn’t a hey look I once interviewed a top golfer moment, I just speak to so many people that can’t stand him and it never fails to surprise me.

Every time I’ve been in his company he’s always been funny and charming and willing to do anything you ask of him. Apart from when I suggested he jump in a bunker and do “sand angels”, that sparked a response that I’m sure you can work out.

Right, I’m off to stick a tenner on Poulter breaking his major duck at Augusta this week.

Admit it, you know you want him to.