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Widely regarded as one of the most colourful and exciting players in the world of golf, Ian Poulter has enjoyed a long and illustrious career since turning professional nearly 16 years ago - while his impressive resume means he remains among the top players.
One of his most notable victories came just last year at the Volvo World Match Play Championship, where he held fellow countryman Luke Donald back from the top spot in the official world rankings to remain behind compatriot Lee Westwood.
Although Donald has dominated the field and order of merit in more recent times, Poulter's astonishing performance - where he triumphed 2&1 at Finca Cortesin - came after a dry spell for the inspirational player.
"I finally started holing some putts," he said after claiming victory. "I've been frustrated for a few months and you have to hole putts to win."
More recently, Poulter took the crown at the Australian Masters in Melbourne just last month after trailing native player Geoff Ogilvy by two shots going into the final round and emerging victorious by three at 15-under-par.
Currently ranked 28th in the world, Poulter managed to take advantage of his slowing rival who slipped back with a 73 to end on 11-under-par behind Marcus Fraser, Peter Senior and Donald.
"To come down here the week before Christmas and to win this tournament is very special," he commented.
Born in Hitchin, Hertfordshire in 1976, Poulter took up golf at the tender age of four when his single-handicap father gave him a cut-down 3-wood club. He then went on to become the assistant pro and golf shop manager at the Chesfield Downs Golf Club as he was unable to get a place at a private establishment.
Following this, Poulter turned professional aged 19 and enjoyed his maiden victory at the 1999 Open de Cote d'lvoire on the Challenge Tour, before winning a promotion to the European Tour qualifying school later that year.
His astonishing skills and prowess have made him a firm favorite among spectators and competitors alike, with one of his more notable shots coming at the 2008 Masters Tournament where he made a hole-in-one at the 16th hole at Augusta National.
Poulter also made the clubhouse lead on the last round at the Open Championship before he lost out on victory to the competition's defending champion, Irishman Padraig Harrington.
The Englishman is well-known for his eccentric dress sense and is regularly seen brightening up the course with a range of unusual outfits and interesting visors.