BBC SPORT | GOLF | Poulter named top novice

Ian Poulter's impressive debut season on the European Tour has earned him the prestigious Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award.

The Luton professional follows in the footsteps of such luminaries as Tony Jacklin, Nick Faldo, Sandy Lyle, Jose Maria Olazabal and last year's winner Sergio Garcia.

Just last month he secured his maiden triumph by winning the Italian Open in Sardinia, shooting rounds of 65, 66, 67 and 69 for an impressive -21 total.

He also finished second in the Moroccan Open and was third in the S�o Paulo Trophy in back-to-back events in April.

Overall, he finished 31st on the Order of Merit - after coming 23rd at the tour's qualifying school last November.

Poulter, whose older brother, Danny, is also a professional golfer, is the first English winner since Jonathan Lomas in 1994.

Poulter putts at the Italian Open
"It's a great honour," he said. "Even more so when I look at the list of the previous winners.

"When I grew up, Nick Faldo, who grew up not far from my home, was one of my inspirations and it's great to follow in his footsteps."

Poulter has fully recovered from a freak injury sustained last year.

He tripped over his golf bag at the Luxembourg Open, leaving him with torn ankle ligaments.


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