FJ ambassador, Ian Poulter (FJ ICON MyJoys & SciFlex glove) showed the world why he is considered one of the best match play players, by winning the Volvo World Match Play title at Finca Cortesin, Spain. In the first all-English final since the event began in 1964, Poulter showed his brilliance to defeat the inform Luke Donald (FJ ICON).
Donald was seeking an unprecedented match play double after taking the Accenture title in Arizona in February, but his fellow Englishman triumphed 2&1. The result meant Donald stays second behind fellow FJ shoe wearer, Lee Westwood.
The final was a tight encounter, with Poulter finding himself one down to his Ryder Cup teammate on three occasions. A tremendous 45-foot putt on the 12th hole, and further birdies on 14th and 16th, sealed Poulters 14th career title and first place cheque of €800,000. The win for Poulter lifts him from No.22 in the world rankings to a place inside the top 15 when the new rankings are released on Monday.
Speaking after his win Poulter commented "Can we have 20 match-play events a year, please? It gets the adrenalin going more, gets me going more than if you're just out there making birdies and winning easy matches. I just love it. It's nice to have a good tussle. It doesn't have to be picture perfect. You just have to get the job done." The win also produced a fantastic birthday present for Poulter’s son Luke, who celebrates his 7th birthday alongside his dad’s victory.
The players will be heading back to England for next week’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, where Luke Donald will get another opportunity to knock Westwood off the World No1 spot.