Golf:England's Ian Poulter was named European Tour Golfer of the Month for February after claiming his first WGC title at last month's Accenture Match Play at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Dove Mountain, Arizona.
Poulter’s 4 and 2 win over compatriot Paul Casey in the event’s first all-European final, was also his first victory on American soil and took him to a career high of fifth in the world rankings.
In Arizona he also defeated Justin Leonard, Adam Scott, Jeev Milkha Singh, Thongchai Jaidee, and Sergio Garcia.
It is the first time the 34-year-old Ryder Cup player has won the monthly award.
“It felt amazing to win a World Golf Championship and I certainly felt very comfortable and in control on the golf course in Arizona,” said Poulter. “It was also great to move up to five in the world and to be recognised with the golfer of the month award at the end of it all capped a truly great week for me.
“I worked a lot on my game in the off season, particularly on the shots from 100 yards and in, and I think that paid off - I certainly felt like I came out strongly at the start of the year. I feel my game has been in pretty good shape for some time
but it was just about ironing out some of the small creases - that has been the thing that has made the big difference.”