GOLFING superstar Ian Poulter has gone back to school this afternoon (Tuesday), 22 years after his last visit.

The Comet: Ian Poulter plays a shot, on his return to his old schoolIan Poulter plays a shot, on his return to his old school (Image: Archant)

The 37-year-old was given a guided tour of The Barclay School in Walkern Road, Stevenage, as he returned for the first time since he left as a teenager.

The Comet: Ian Poulter walks with his children, Luke and Aimee-Leigh during the tour of Barclay school, StevenageIan Poulter walks with his children, Luke and Aimee-Leigh during the tour of Barclay school, Stevenage (Image: Archant)

Poulter, who grew up in Stevenage, played basketball in the school’s gym and reminisced with Barclay teachers past and present, before practised his golf swing on the playing fields.

The Comet: Ian Poulter signs autographsIan Poulter signs autographs (Image: Archant)

About his return, he said: “It’s awesome. It’s no different at all from when I was here, all the classrooms are the same.

“And so many teachers are still here, 22 years on.”

The school’s head of geography Graham Parry, who was Poulter’s head of year, said: “I think he still owes me a detention. I was in the minibus when I saw him with his golf clubs on the way to Graveley. I saw him the next day and he said he had a sore throat.”

Poulter, who finished joint third in The Open Championship at the weekend, added: “I was well and truly busted.”

PE teacher Steve Green remembered the professional golfer as a “talented boy”.

He said: “He was skilful, aggressive and a good team player and you can see that now in the Ryder Cup.”

Headteacher Debbie Upton said: “He’s been an inspiration to us and we’re thrilled to have him here.

“He’s an exceptional role model for all our students.”

• To view a gallery of pictures from the visit click on the link at the top right of the page.