Ian Poulter, right, gets a ruling from Steve Rintoul of the PGA Tour on the 14th hole during the fourth round of the Honda Classic at PGA National Resort & Spa - Champion Course on March 2, 2015 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Sam Greenwood / Getty Images
Ian Poulter, right, gets a ruling from Steve Rintoul of the PGA Tour on the 14th hole during the fourth round of the Honda Classic at PGA National Resort & Spa - Champion Course on March 2, 2015 in PaShow more

Ian Poulter’s problems on American soil show no signs of stopping



As one European star rekindled the flame at the Honda Classic, another had a seemingly debilitating setback.

Struggling Irishman Padraig Harrington rallied to win on one of the two major tours for the first time in seven years, but if they had been playing basketball at the Honda Classic, Ian Poulter would have been credited with an assist.

In the final round, Poulter steered an incomprehensible five balls into water hazards, missing a play-off against Harrington and rookie Daniel Berger by a shot and keeping alive a curious drought, though that is an admittedly odd choice of words, considering.

Despite worldwide acclaim that does not necessarily match his performance chart, Poulter has never won a stroke-play event in the US, despite having lived in Florida for the past decade and being a full-time member of the PGA Tour.

In full-field tournaments, he has two top-10 finishes on American soil in the past 24 months and has been accused of being a paper tiger on social media, where Poulter often courts such antagonistic conversation.

This time, he made no attempt to hide his disappointment.

His last win was the HSBC Champions in late 2012.

A good player, yet hardly an elite one, the colourful Englishman cannot afford to let such chances slip at age 39.

“It’s a shame to hand tournaments away,” he said. “You don’t mind being beaten fair and square. But I’ve handed one away this week and you know it’s going to hurt because making triples and doubles just doesn’t get it done.”

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The Gandhi Murder
  • 71 - Years since the death of MK Gandhi, also christened India's Father of the Nation
  • 34 - Nationalities featured in the film The Gandhi Murder
  • 7 - million dollars, the film's budget 
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Started: 2020
 
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
 
Based: Dubai, UAE
 
Sector: Entertainment 
 
Number of staff: 210 
 
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Started: September 2023
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Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson

Director: Todd Phillips 

Rating: 2/5

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Artist: Coldplay

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Number of tracks: 10

Rating: 3/5

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Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
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On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)

Empty Words

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Types of policy

Term life insurance: this is the cheapest and most-popular form of life cover. You pay a regular monthly premium for a pre-agreed period, typically anything between five and 25 years, or possibly longer. If you die within that time, the policy will pay a cash lump sum, which is typically tax-free even outside the UAE. If you die after the policy ends, you do not get anything in return. There is no cash-in value at any time. Once you stop paying premiums, cover stops.

Whole-of-life insurance: as its name suggests, this type of life cover is designed to run for the rest of your life. You pay regular monthly premiums and in return, get a guaranteed cash lump sum whenever you die. As a result, premiums are typically much higher than one term life insurance, although they do not usually increase with age. In some cases, you have to keep up premiums for as long as you live, although there may be a cut-off period, say, at age 80 but it can go as high as 95. There are penalties if you don’t last the course and you may get a lot less than you paid in.

Critical illness cover: this pays a cash lump sum if you suffer from a serious illness such as cancer, heart disease or stroke. Some policies cover as many as 50 different illnesses, although cancer triggers by far the most claims. The payout is designed to cover major financial responsibilities such as a mortgage or children’s education fees if you fall ill and are unable to work. It is cost effective to combine it with life insurance, with the policy paying out once if you either die or suffer a serious illness.

Income protection: this pays a replacement income if you fall ill and are unable to continue working. On the best policies, this will continue either until you recover, or reach retirement age. Unlike critical illness cover, policies will typically pay out for stress and musculoskeletal problems such as back trouble.

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Know before you go
  • Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
  • If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
  • By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
  • Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
  • Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.

 

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