The hair is still spiked, the gel ensuring it remains constantly in place, and the sequins on his shirt - designed by himself, no less - sparkle whenever the sun breaks through the clouds or the beam from the TV camera lights catch the diamond-like accessories.

This is the image portrayed by Ian Poulter. But, behind the facade is a more mature individual than he is given credit for.

You want proof of his growing maturity? Yesterday, after shooting an opening round 64 that left him in tied-second place alongside Padraig Harrington, a shot behind first round leader Tiger Woods, Poulter was asked probably the most outlandish question anyone has faced on the PGA European Tour this season.

"Is this not the most beautiful, almost Cinderella-going-to-the-ball golf course you've been playing at? The views? The design? The location? Isn't it spectacular?" the Englishman was asked.

The Poulter of old probably would have burst out laughing halfway through the inquisitor's opening gambit. Not this Poulter, who politely replied: "It's a nice place to come and play golf . . . I think all the guys would agree they've done a good job getting the course in great condition."

That wasn't the only evidence that Poulter has grown up. Two weeks before the Ryder Cup, too late to claim a place on the team, Poulter finally discovered a hot putter and won the Madrid Open. Last week, rather than sitting for hours in front of the television set or hurting at being absent from Europe's win over the United States, Poulter divided his time between practising and working on his game and watching the match.

"I didn't sit there and watch television and become a couch potato for three days," said Poulter. "I made sure I did my usual practice Friday, Saturday, Sunday and then flipped on the telly to watch the guys do a great job . . . it didn't hurt me not being there. If you make a side, fantastic.

"Watching the guys teeing off Friday, what an atmosphere. Unfortunately I wasn't there to experience it. I would have loved to have done. Everyone has told me it was awesome. But, you know, I can't do anything about it, so why put myself in that frame of mind?

"I was excited after Madrid. I just tried to stay positive through last week and let the guys do a great job, and they did."

Poulter's ability to see the bigger picture is as impressive as his current golf form, which has seen him carry on from Madrid with seamless ease. Yesterday, confirming his putter has gone from being ice cold to being as hot as lava, Poulter required just 23 putts on his way to a 64 that has him in the thick of the contenders.

For sure, he is not here just to make up the numbers.

He only secured his place in the field by winning in Madrid, but he explained: "I feel my game is good enough to compete with the best in the world.

"Certainly, when I putt well and when I drive it very well, then I'm going to give myself a lot of chances. You know, in the frame of mind I've got right now, I feel pretty confident that I can go out there and put some decent scores on the board."

Such confidence is proven when you can put your signature on a golf card that adds up to a 64.