From early beginnings
Ian took up the game of golf at the age of four when
his Dad, Terry, a single figure handicap golfer gave
him a cut down three wood. Ian turned professional
at the age of 19 when he won the Open de Cote d’Ivoire
on the Challenge Tour in 1999. Winning the Sir Henry
Cotton Rookie of the Year title in 2000 provided the
spring board for Ian to become one of the most exciting
talents on the European tour.
He was one of only seven players in 2007 to make
all four cuts in the majors, to finish 13th at the
Masters, to have two top tens on the US Tour, to
win his eighth title in Japan. Quite an achievement
for someone who has fought his way up the hard way
from working as an assistant pro to thrusting himself
into the world’s Top 20.
Ian’s passion for clothes began at the age
of 11. To feed his desire to look good he would
work at the market on Saturdays in Stevenage, merchandising
and selling clothes. He would save up his weekly
earnings to be able to purchase the latest fashion
apparel. For Ian looking good and playing well go
together
“Look good, feel good, play good has always
been my mantra.” Ian Poulter
The Launch of IJP and the brand philosophy
Ian began sketching designs in 2003 on hotel letterhead
and airline coasters as he toured the world. It
was not until four years later that Ian was able
to realize his dream by translating his ideas into
reality with the launch of IJP – (Ian James
Poulter) which coincided with the British Open in
July 2007
IJP is a high quality, unique and exciting golf
and lifestyle brand with a fashionable edge. It
is entirely focused on creating clothing which is
both eminently practical but equally extremely stylish.
Unlike many other sports fashion brands associated
with international sportsmen and women, Ian is highly
involved in each garment from conception to fruition.
He is focused on the quality and fine details of
each design so it will come as no surprise that
each garment has been tested by Ian on the course
prior to production.
Ian and trousers go together. The IJP brand philosophy
is to ‘lead with the legs’ by designing
the trousers first and then coordinating the rest
of the outfit around them. As such, the Poulter
Tartan is also one of the key elements of the IJP
brand. The bespoke Poulter Tartans are milled in
Scotland and for each different collection three
different tartans are woven. The fabric is then
cut and the trousers are handmade by a London tailor.
Where we are today
One year on and you can now see the IJP designs
both on and off the golf course. IJP has been launched
in over 17 countries worldwide and it is fast becoming
one of the most dynamic and exciting golfing brands
on the market. April 08 saw the launch of the second
collection in the story of IJP with their Spring/
Summer range hitting golf stores worldwide.
Ian is not the only touring professional to be
wearing IJP. Young rising British stars Gary Boyd
and Steve Lewton are both dressed in IJP from top
to toe. Also the talented British female twin golfers
Sam and Jo Head wear IJP headwear.