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Poulter isn't bothered about preceding Tiger

Ian Poulter expects Tiger Woods to be a force at the Masters © Getty Images

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Ian Poulter insists he will not be fazed by the fact he will be followed by Tiger Woods when he tees off at the Masters on Thursday.

Poulter, the current world No. 7, was named in the group to go out ahead of Woods during Tuesday's pairings announcement for Augusta, which plays host to the American's return to the sport after a near five-month break. Poulter is joined by Yuta Ikeda and Steve Stricker.

His tee-off time of 1.31pm, 11 minutes ahead of Woods', guarantees that the furore surrounding the world No.1 will be at fever pitch by the time Poulter hits his first ball, but the Englishman is adamant it will not affect his game.

"Inside these gates, the fans are very respectful," Poulter was quoted as saying by the Times. "Whether I play in front of Tiger or behind him I don't mind.

"It will be busy, but it won't be crazy. I've done enough homework to be able to concentrate on my job and I'm not worried about how anybody else plays.

"It's good to see Tiger back again and playing golf. He could still be a force to beat come Sunday."

Meanwhile, the two men directly thrust into the spotlight by Tuesday's pairings are KJ Choi and Matt Kuchar, who will tee off alongside Woods. Choi has partnered Woods before, and he is remaining typically relaxed about the situation.

"I will have same routine -- go to the church and pray, same food. My focus never changes," said Choi.

"I have played many times with TW and my concentration goes higher. We are pretty friendly. My routine is to say 'hello' to him in Korean. It will not change -- I am humble on the course. I think we will have a good time."

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