Swing Sequence: Ian Poulter

Toughest Guy In Plaid

The best aspects of Ian Poulter's game aren't immediately apparent in photographs. The wild-eyed passion, brash competitiveness and intense self-belief that have led Poulter to a 12-3 Ryder Cup record, two World Golf Championships and 12 European Tour titles aren't visible on the following pages. Nor can you see Poulter's ferocious work ethic, kept hidden beneath his flashy, jet-set appearance. But when you get past the attire, the prolific tweeting and a penchant for collecting high-end cars, you find a swing that is highly athletic and beautiful to watch.Poulter is a self-coached feel player who exudes hard-won confidence. "I wouldn't say I know the golf swing better than anyone else, but I know my swing better than anyone," he says. "I'm very confident in what I'm doing. I've never had a major swing change and have stayed consistent. I feel like I'm improving all the time."Poulter's way of monitoring his swing is intense and rather unusual. He carries a video camera in his bag and references images constantly. Plus, he's a TrackMan devotee who leaves none of its measurements unchecked. "Launch angle, descent angle, smash factor—every number that's relevant, I look at it," he says. "When a measurement reveals something less than ideal, I trace it back. That's the fun of it."After joining the European Tour in 2000, he enlisted help from David Leadbetter. But Poulter eventually embarked on his own. A gifted short-game player and putter, he's determined to find more consistency with the long clubs. "Because I'm a feel player, it's maybe easier for me to fix my swing than it is for more technical guys.""Ian's swing is much better than it was when I met up with him," Leadbetter says. "It's cleaner, with fewer moving parts. With that, I wouldn't call his swing super-sound, technically. But his hand-eye coordination is world-class. When he's on, not many are better at 'finding' their way to impact."With the clothes, cars, tweeting and so on, Ian is like a modern-day Walter Hagen, without the majors—yet," Leadbetter says. "I say 'yet,' because he could very well pull it all together in one of those major weeks. He has that kind of ability."—Guy Yocom

FACE-ONIan's hands are behind the ball, which hints he's going to hit upward through impact.Swing analysis by David Leadbetter, who is based at ChampionsGate in Orlando.

FACE-ONSwing analysis by David Leadbetter, who is based at ChampionsGate in Orlando.

FACE-ONHis left arm and the shaft are in line. This is an ideal impact position.Swing analysis by David Leadbetter, who is based at ChampionsGate in Orlando.

FACE-ONSwing analysis by David Leadbetter, who is based at ChampionsGate in Orlando.

DOWN-THE-LINEHis setup is simple and relaxed. But I'd like to see more pitch forward from the hips.Swing analysis by David Leadbetter, who is based at ChampionsGate in Orlando.

DOWN-THE-LINESwing analysis by David Leadbetter, who is based at ChampionsGate in Orlando.

DOWN-THE-LINEIan's not a bomber, but he's showing some clubhead lag here. He's ready to rip it.Swing analysis by David Leadbetter, who is based at ChampionsGate in Orlando.

DOWN-THE-LINESwing analysis by David Leadbetter, who is based at ChampionsGate in Orlando.

DOWN-THE-LINEHe hit a nice draw on this shot. The giveaway: his fearless release.Swing analysis by David Leadbetter, who is based at ChampionsGate in Orlando.

DOWN-THE-LINESwing analysis by David Leadbetter, who is based at ChampionsGate in Orlando.

UP-THE-LINESwing analysis by David Leadbetter, who is based at ChampionsGate in Orlando.

UP-THE-LINEA very efficient takeaway. No wasted motion to this point.Swing analysis by David Leadbetter, who is based at ChampionsGate in Orlando.

UP-THE-LINESwing analysis by David Leadbetter, who is based at ChampionsGate in Orlando.

UP-THE-LINEThe club is on line, but his left shoulder is high, making the shoulder turn a bit flat.Swing analysis by David Leadbetter, who is based at ChampionsGate in Orlando.

UP-THE-LINESwing analysis by David Leadbetter, who is based at ChampionsGate in Orlando.

UP-THE-LINEIan has flawless balance at the finish. Nice slacks, too.Swing analysis by David Leadbetter, who is based at ChampionsGate in Orlando.

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Swing Sequence: Ian Poulter

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