Poulter: ‘it was one of those days’

Ian Poulter was left to rue a number of missed chances after he had carded a one-under-par 71 at the 139th Open.
England’s Ian Poulter was left to rue a number of missed opportunities after he had carded a one-under-par 71 in the first round of The Open at St Andrews.
There was not much wrong with the 34-year-old’s game as he hit 17 of 18 putting surfaces in regulation, but he could not find a way of getting the ball to drop into the hole.
However, the Woburn-based golfer was philosophical afterwards, insisting there was not much else he could do to change the way he is playing.
“The golf course was as easy as it’s ever going to get and I didn’t take advantage despite playing great,” he said.
“I hit a lot of good shots into six, eight, 10, 15 and 20 feet and I didn’t have my time on the greens today so I was a little unfortunate.
“Some days you hole putts and shoot nine under par and some days you make a couple of three putts, roll a couple in and shoot one under par and that was my round today.
“I’m not going to be disappointed with the way I played I just didn’t hole putts so I can’t beat myself up about it.”
The Ryder Cup star hoped to get some assistance from the weather later on today and tomorrow in the hope of being able to regain some ground.
“The wind has picked up and the guys in the afternoon are going to get the rough end of the wind but it was there for the taking this morning and I didn’t take it,” added Poulter.
“But this is the Open Championship and although I’m eight behind the leader (Rory McIlroy) there are 54 holes of golf to play.
“I’ve got to make more birdies tomorrow and slowly catch up with the pack but my putting does not need any work, it was one of those days.”
Latest
-
News
Rory McIlroy makes brilliant start to fog-affected Abu Dhabi Championship
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes.
-
News
Rory McIlroy shines in Abu Dhabi to take first-round lead following flawless 64
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes, three thirds and a fifth in his last nine starts, but has never won.
-
News
Justin Thomas on end of Ralph Lauren deal: ‘They moved on so that’s what I’m doing as well’
Justin Thomas said he was upset by...
-
News
My last win feels a long time ago – Rory McIlroy aiming to start year on a high
McIlroy has not tasted victory since November 2019.
-
News
Rory McIlroy insists Justin Thomas will ‘try to be better’ after homophobic slur
World number three Thomas was heard using a derogatory word towards himself after missing a par putt in Hawaii.
-
News
Rory McIlroy sad to miss Conor McGregor fight
Rory McIlroy has been to UFC star Conor Mcgregor’s last three fights but will miss Saturday’s clash due to European Tour commitments.
-
News
Rory McIlroy backs Tiger Woods to make quick recovery from latest back surgery
McIlroy expects the American to be fit for the Masters in April.
-
News
Tiger Woods focusing on return to PGA Tour after undergoing fifth back operation
The 45-year-old will miss the Farmers Insurance Open and the Genesis Invitational.
-
News
Lee Westwood resumes bid for record-equalling 11th Ryder Cup appearance
The 47-year-old occupied one of the automatic places in the team before the golf was stopped due to Covid-19.
-
News
Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew turns to Golfer’s CBD in pursuit of further success
Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew believes Golfer’s CBD could play a vital role in her future success.