Ian Poulter is hopeful that the best is yet to come as he arrives at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open looking for a first Rolex Series win in fine form.
The Englishman started his year with a top ten in the Rolex Series at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA and went on to finish in the top ten in his next three European Tour events.
That fast start has helped him sit eighth in the Race to Dubai Rankings Presented by Rolex, looking for a first European Tour victory since 2012.
The 43-year-old has had four weeks off around the U.S. Open Championship and feels ready to kick on again and get back into the winners circle not just this week, but maybe to claim that elusive Major.
"I want to push on," he said. "I want to try and get as high up as I possibly can in the World Rankings and really, by enjoying my golf, by being more relaxed, by being more focused, get rid of all the noise to concentrate on golf.
"I can still win tournaments, I can still compete week-in, week-out. I've been on the ball a lot this year. I've been disappointed by the way I've finished a load of tournaments off. Because of that, it keeps the energy level, it keeps spurring me on because I know there's better stuff coming.
"It's quite exciting being 43 and playing some of the best golf I've ever played, knowing you can mix it with some of the other players, is great.
"I've got plenty of miles on the clock, don't worry about that. I've got lots of miles on the clock.
"I don't have as many (Majors) to come as what I've just played, that I know. So for me, it's about just going out to enjoy them, try and be as prepared as I possibly can.
"You can't just play good golf and expect one to fall in your lap. You have to continue to be aggressive with the type of players that play to be lucky enough to win one. If I get in that position to try and take one, I'll try."
I've got plenty of miles on the clock, don't worry about that. I've got lots of miles on the clock - Ian Poulter
Poulter has one top ten in seven previous appearances at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open and is eager to improve on that record in the first of three consecutive weeks of links golf.
"Playing links golf is always fun, challenging," he said. "It brings out the best in all of us in terms of shot making ability and I like what that stands for. To be able to put a couple of different clubs in the bag, challenge your ball flight, test your skills, this is a perfect opening week to put that on my calendar.
"It's a big tournament. I've got a lot of support here in Ireland, they have really taken to me quite well and I'm looking forward to playing as much golf as I can and being competitive this week.
"It's been busy. I've tried to manage energy levels as much as I possibly can and hopefully I've fuelled the tank again for another big push."
