Ian Poulter won the Italian Open twice in three years, back in 2000 and 2002. The second win came at Olgiata Golf Club in Rome. This year the Italian Open returns to that site.
In addition, the Italian Open is a Rolex Series event. Poults sits at #15 in the Race to Dubai, which Rolex sponsors.
Furthermore, there are a lot of Ryder Cup points available this week. Poults is currently 92nd in the Euro points list and I couldn't find him on the World points list, which goes down to 110. Clearly getting some points at the Italian Open would move him up the chart quickest.
Are you sensing a pattern here?
Given what's up for grabs this week, I think I can understand him skipping his title defense in Houston. The ET website has even chosen Poults as one of their Fantasy Three to watch.
GC's coverage starts early Thursday at 4:30am ET and runs until 12:30pm ET. I'll be wishing Poults luck as he tries to make another Ryder Cup team. (I just won't wish him luck once he gets there!)
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