RYDER Cup legend Ian Poulter will be back on home soil this week when he gets his first chance to see Wentworth’s revamped West Course after receiving an invitation to play in the BMW PGA Championship, the first event in the European Tour’s new Rolex Series.

The 12-time European Tour winner, who missed four months of last season due to a foot injury, was back to his best when finishing tied second at The Players Championship in America recently.

Poulter will now join a world class field which includes four-time Major Champion Rory McIlroy, Open Champion Henrik Stenson, Olympic Champion Justin Rose and defending champion Chris Wood.

“For me, to have played well and locked up everything in America has now freed my summer up and means I can come back and play in some of the big events in Europe, which I’m really looking forward to,” said Poulter, 41.

“Everyone on the European Tour has been incredibly supportive and that has helped me be free and clear on what I needed to do in my own mind.

“I would have loved to have won The Players but the result means I can come back over and play in the BMW PGA Championship, and plan my summer schedule.

“It will obviously be great to play in front of British fans again. My form is good and I’ve been working hard and hopefully the results will follow.”

The players are set to compete in the Celebrity Pro-Am today (Wednesday) following yesterday’s practice day ahead of four days of competition.

Poulter’s 14th and last appearance at Wentworth came three years ago before four-time Major winner Ernie Els, Tomas Bjorn and Paul McGinley made the most recent design tweaks.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the changes,” added Poulter. “Everything the guys – Thomas, Paul – have done to improve the course makes me want to jump back on a plane to the UK. It’s just what I need – the chance to come back to Britain and play some golf and enjoy it.”

l For tickets go to www.europeantour.com or call 01344 840681