• European Tour

Poulter: Confidence the key now for Lewis

ESPN staff
May 18, 2012
Tom Lewis has not made an impact yet in 2012 © Getty Images
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Ian Poulter believes youngster Tom Lewis needs to follow his lead and act with more confidence if he is to establish himself on the European Tour.

Lewis, 21, has enjoyed a remarkable rise through the ranks in the last 12 months - winning the silver medal for low amateur at the Open Championship before winning the Portugal Masters in only his third start as a professional later in the year.

Since then the Hertfordshire native has faded into the background somewhat, however, and Poulter feels his "shy" compatriot needs to realise just how much he has achieved already in his career and carry himself accordingly.

"He's very shy, but my advice to him is to be a bit more confident," Poulter said, according to the Times. "It was no surprise for me to see him win and he should feel proud.

"He should walk with his chest out and go and win some more tournaments."

Poulter, who will face Lewis at the Volvo World Match Play Championship on Friday as the group stage comes to a close, highlighted just how far in advance of most professionals Lewis already is.

"When I was his age, I was still stuck in the pro shop selling Mars bars," Poulter noted. "In terms of years, he's way above where I was."

Lewis will also face John Senden on Friday - with victory over the Australian guaranteeing him a place in the last 16 of the tournament, after Poulter beat Senden on Thursday.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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