No fear of pressure for Poulter

Poulter will start the day at TPC Sawgrass in Florida at nine under par, two strokes back on halfway leader Germany's Alex Cejka and in an all-European final pairing at the PGA Tour's flagship event.

"I don't think I could probably play under as much pressure (as I did at the Ryder Cup), to be honest with you," Poulter said. "Everything from now on in, hopefully I can enjoy playing golf."

With Masters champion Angel Cabrera two shots behind him at seven under and world number one Tiger Woods at four under, Poulter, who finished tied for fifth at last week's Quail Hollow Championship is also determined not to worry about the golfing big guns lining up behind him and Cejka as the weekend's play gets under way.

"I think if you go about your job properly, look at the board when you need to look at the board, whether Tiger is on the board or Camilo (Villegas) or Phil (Mickelson) or whoever, when you're playing good golf, you just need to keep making birdies.

"If guys are going to come from behind and try and make a challenge, then that's what they have to do.

"I'm not going to really be focusing on who's behind me and who could potentially come up behind me. I just want to keep doing what I'm doing and keep making birdies."

Poulter will also be trying to emulate fellow Englishman Paul Casey, who landed his first US victory last month at the Shell Houston Open.

"I think with how strong the European Tour golf is and the Europeans that play over here a lot, it's no surprise to me to see guys like Paul Casey winning golf tournaments," he said. "He came close at the match play. It wasn't going to be long before he knocked one off.

"Luke finishing second a few weeks ago, you know, he's won here before. I think European golf is strong."