Ian Poulter Talks a Lot

While the eyes of all golf fans will be fixed primarily on names like Fowler, Mickelson, Barnes, Woods, and McElroy this week at the 2010 US Open, one man should not be forgotten: Ian Poulter. At least, according to him.

Ranked #8 in the World Golf Rankings and leading the European Tour's Order of Merit, Poulter recently stated that the long-time drought of a European US Open winner will come to an end this weekend:

"If you're a betting man, your chances now are better than ever before," the world number eight told Reuters, referencing the rankings as he left the driving range to practice his chipping at the famed Pacific coast course.

Never at a loss for words, Poulter is just one of four Englishmen within striking distance of the #1 World Ranking on the PGA Tour. The others? Lee Westwood, Luke Donald, and Paul Casey. Together, the talented group of Euro-players will look to become the first of their ilk to win the US Open since 1970.

Poulter believes he has the key to winning at Pebble Beach, despite never even coming close to winning at the course in his entire career:

"Distance control from the fairway," Poulter said after chipping a small bucket of balls up to a tight pin on the lightning-quick practice surface.

"Tiny little greens. You've got to be accurate, got to keep it under the hole. The best way to describe this course is you've got to be under the hole on every hole."

So, in other words, the course needs to be played much like any other Major that has ever existed? Next thing you know Poulter will tell us that the sky is blue and water is wet.