Dubai Desert Classic: Power ranking the top 10 at Emirates GC

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DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – FEBRUARY 05: Ian Poulter of England tees off on the 11th hole during the final round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic on the Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club on February 5, 2017 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /

Ian Poulter’s second stint playing the Dubai Desert Classic is going much better than the first. In his younger days, the now 43-year-old made all six cuts in starts from 2001-08 but none better than T34.

After nine years away, Poulter’s return to Dubai in 2017 netted a T15 (67-71-67-76) where he was in contention through 54 holes. He followed the next year with a T6 (68-70-65-69).

Speaking of T6, that’s how Poulter finished last week in Abu Dhabi where he was also in the mix going into Sunday.

As long as he’s not too fatigued, Poulter’s game ought to be sharp. Few, if any, in the field have played the last three weeks like he has. If he is able to maintain his recent play, he will be one to watch heading into the final rounds.

His start to 2019 has been decent. He finished middle of the pack to take 18th at the Tournament of Champions and T33 the next week at the Sony Open.

Poulter had a resurgent 2018 which included a win at the Houston Open and a triumphant return to the European Tour Ryder Cup team. He was 30th last season on the PGA Tour in strokes gained approaching the green and was above average throughout the bag.

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