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.”

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