The Open Championship: PlayOn fantasy picks

SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND - JULY 17: Lee Westwood of England finishes his practice round prior to the 146th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale on July 17, 2017 in Southport, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND - JULY 17: Lee Westwood of England finishes his practice round prior to the 146th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale on July 17, 2017 in Southport, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) /
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When he got that reprieve in April, Ian Poulter took a deep breath and started playing golf again with renewed energy. There’s just nothing like a little job security to make a guy feel good.

His runner-up at The PLAYERS followed in May and while he’s missed some cuts since then, on the whole his PGA TOUR starts have seen him playing the weekend and delivering a better than average game. And more recently, as he’s returned to play European Tour starts, Poulter has been enjoying considerably more success: T45 at the Open de France, T42 at the Irish Open, and then a very promising T9 at Dundonald Links.

Poulter’s game is tuned up and he’s ready for the challenge Royal Birkdale promises. He’s not long off the tee but his SG: tee-to-green (1.317) puts him at 11th on the PGA TOUR, which is darn good given his overall situation.

If Poulter can remember how he got to that runner-up finish at the 2008 Open at Royal Birkdale he’ll do a fine job for my team this week.