By Alistair Magowan

Poulter will wear a competition winner's design at this year's Open

Ian Poulter insists his chances of winning the Open should be taken seriously despite his taste for wearing "loud" trousers.

The 29-year-old wore Union Jack pants in 2004 and will wear a BBC competition winner's design this year.

"It's good fun and it helps me relax. You can get too stressed with preparing yourself perfectly.

"People should take me seriously. It's the biggest tournament in the world and I want to win it," he said.

"I tried hard in 2000 when I didn't wear loud trousers and I'm going to be trying just as hard this time.

"I'm a more experienced player than I was back then so let's hope that shows."

Academy: Poulter receives winning design

Poulter made his major debut the last time The Open was hosted at St Andrews in 2000 where he finished tied 64th.

However, his performance at the Old Course has improved each time he has played there.

Poulter's St Andrews record 2000: Open Championship 64T 2001: Dunhill Links missed cut* 2002: Dunhill Links 35T* 2003: Dunhill Links 16T* 2004: Dunhill Links 3T* *Denotes only two rounds at St Andrews

He said: "I've got some good record (at St Andrews) in the Dunhill Links tournament and a lot of guys don't play there as often as some of us European guys.

"I've got a great chance as long as keep my head together and keep working this week. If I play well for four days I will win The Open."

Poulter has been involved in a BBC Sport Academy competition for readers to design his trousers for the first day of The Open.

He will wear the winning design when he tees off on Thursday at 1258 alongside Phil Mickelson and Trevor Immelman.