Stolen driver leads Poulter to withdraw

There are many reasons for withdrawing from a tour event. Illness, injury or family matters normally top the list. But for Ian Poluter, the 25th-ranked player in the world, his withdrawal from the Singapore Open was caused by something a little different: His driver (a Cobra Speed Pro model) was stolen.

After finishing in a tie for 14th at last week's HSBC Champions event, Poulter's big stick was lifted from his bag and he was unable to get a replacement in time for the opening round in Singapore. For those who question why the colorful Englishman didn't just tee it up with any replacement driver he could find, Poulter had an answer.

"It's disappointing as I did not come all this way not to play," Poulter said. "But with so many world ranking points at stake, if I played badly I may have lost ground."

Did it ever pop into Poulter's head that he could also play well and gain points? Just asking.

--E. Michael Johnson