Poulter takes a large step towards silencing his critics

After this the second-place finisher is no longer just a pair of pretty trousers Ian Poulter finished second at Royal Birkdale. Photograph: Paul Thomas/AP For all the camaraderie and shared experiences that bind those who play professional golf at the highest level, the royal and ancient game can be a bitchy place, as Ian Poulter will no doubt testify after his experience at the hands of the locker room wags earlier this year. "When I play to my full potential, it will be just me and Tiger," the Englishman said in an interview with Golf World Magazine. "The trouble is I don't rate anyone else." Read in isolation, Poulter's words looked ridiculous at best and supremely arrogant at worst. But a closer look at what was a very lengthy piece revealed a player who was cocky, yes, but also respectful of the world No1 and the game... [read full story]