Poulter seeking consistency

Ian Poulter wants to turn back into the golfer who has lit up the last two Ryder Cup matches - hopefully in time to win this week's Masters.

"It's very frustrating and driving me mad," admits Poulter, who in the past year has dropped from seventh to 16th in the world while so many of his fellow Europeans have gone in the opposite direction.

"I need to push on. When I perform well I think I can play with the best players in the world for sure."

He proved that under the most intense pressure three years ago with four points out of five at Valhalla after being captain Nick Faldo's most controversial pick.

Then came his victory in the World Match Play Championship, then he was joint halfway leader with Lee Westwood at Augusta last April and at Celtic Manor in October he was joint top scorer in Europe's win with three points out of four.

But Poulter has not had a top 10 finish in his last six starts and he wants to know why.

"I'd like to find out why I perform so well in the Ryder Cup and I don't bring it out in stroke play as often as I'd like. I've definitely got to have a think about my mindset and try to get pumped up.

"In Ryder Cup week you don't need to try for it - it's just there in you.

"On the first green with 72 holes to play you don't fist-pump when you hole from 10 feet for birdie, but perhaps I should get a bit more excited inside.

"I do it occasionally, so you feel you should be able to do it every week."