Solid starts for Rose, Poulter

Ian Poulter and Justin Rose were both satisfied with their opening rounds at the Hong Kong Open on Thursday.
Poulter opening with a three-under-par 67 after only arriving in Hong Kong at 7pm on Wednesday to replace Rich Beem in the field.
Birdies at the second and fifth were followed by bogeys at eight and nine, though he was able to make further gains at the 10th, 15th and 17th to finish three shots off the leading pace.
"I guess in the circumstances it was pretty good," Poulter told European Tour Radio. "Had I nudged a three-footer in for birdie on seven to get to three under that would have been the start I was looking for.
"I missed it and bogeyed the next two holes and it took me a while to get to three under, but overall I have played pretty nicely on a course which I've had to get to know again pretty quickly. I have to be happy with that having landed last night."
Rose, who missed the cut at his only previous appearance in the tournament, had even better first day, carding a 65 that leaves him just one shot off the pace.
"I think I probably had a much better idea this time around how to play it than I did last time. I can focus on more positive things now." Rose said.
He spared a thought for Ryder Cup team-mate Poulter, adding: "I noticed he was trying to have matchsticks in his eyes on the back nine. I know he's been up since 4am, so that's a very good round of golf."
Latest
-
News
Westwood, McDowell back petition to allow English golf courses to open
The duo have added their names to a petition that has passed 100 000 signatures.
-
News
Xander Schauffele pledges to ‘fake it until I make it’ after contracting Covid
Schauffele is one of 16 players in the Sentry Tournament of Champions who failed to win an official event last season.
-
News
After years with TaylorMade, Jon Rahm joins Callaway
Spaniard will have Callaway woods and irons in his bag at Sentry Tournament of Champions.
-
News
What to expect from the 2021 OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic
There are more prestigious events on the European Tour, but there’s no denying that the Dubai Desert Classic just has something about it.
-
News
Organisers delay ticketing process for 2021 Masters as another fan shutout looms
Augusta National Golf Club is considering its options before making a call on 2021 Masters.
-
News
Tiger Woods’ former swing coach: I think I over-coached him
Sean Foley reckons he didn’t give Tiger the help he really needed.
-
News
Greg Norman returns home from hospital to await coronavirus test results
The 65-year-old spent Christmas Day in hospital after experiencing symptoms.
-
News
Greg Norman in hospital with coronavirus
The 65-year-old shared a photo of himself in a hospital bed on Christmas Day.
-
News
Lee Westwood sees age as no barrier to his golfing aspirations
Westwood, at the age of 47, has been crowned European Tour’s Golfer of the Year for 2020.
-
News
Tiger Woods and son Charlie finish seventh in PNC Championship
Tiger said it was “incredibly special” to spend quality time with his son on the golf course.