Ian Poulter returns to competitive action with a 64 in Macau
Thursday 13 October 2016 15:57, UK
Ian Poulter made a strong start to his comeback tournament, posting a seven-under-par 64 in the opening round of the Venetian Macau Open.
The 40-year-old Englishman hit 16 greens in regulation, during his bogey-free round, and after 18 holes is tied in the lead with Spaniard Carlos Pigem.
Poulter has not played competitively since May, and was forced to miss the Ryder Cup where he acted as one of Darren Clarke's vice-captains.
He has had to rest his right foot due to an arthritic joint and is now ranked 124 in the world, his lowest position since April 2001, but he will have been boosted by his excellent start at Macau Country Club.
He said: "I just tried to get my game into shape coming out here. I birdied all the par fives which is obviously very helpful and I didn't make any mistake.
"It's the type of course where if you don't make a mistake, you can piece together a very nice score.
"I've never had four and a half months off in my life. The most important thing I'll take away from this is how solid I played, how nicely I putted.
"I've worked in all areas of my game to get ready and obviously it's a great start."
Co-leader Pigem produced a spectacular outward half of 28, which included five birdies and an eagle, before making a brace of bogeys coming home.
Chapchai Nirat is one shot adrift in the $1.1m event on the Asian Tour.
Leading Scores after 18 Holes:
64: Ian Poulter (Eng)
64: Carlos Pigem (Esp)
65: Chapchai Nirat (Tha)
66: Marcus Fraser (Aus)
66: Anirban Lahiri (Ind)
67: Miguel Tabuena (Phi)
67: Marcus Both (Aus)
67: Chiragh Kumar (Ind)
67: Kalem Richardson (Aus)
