Ian Poulter back in Houston hunt but plays down Masters chances
Friday 30 March 2018 22:42, UK
Ian Poulter is refusing to get carried away about the possibility of booking a last-minute Masters invite after moving back into contention at the Houston Open.
Poulter agonisingly missed out on a spot in the Augusta field by 0.03 world ranking points after a quarter-final defeat in the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, leaving the world No 51 requiring a victory this week to claim the last available Masters spot.
The Englishman's hopes appeared over after an opening-round 73, leaving him nine strokes off the first-round lead, only for Poulter to bounce back by firing eight birdies in a blemish-free 64 on Friday.
"I'm not thinking about it," Poulter told Sky Sports. "I'm not even talking about it now. Obviously, I would like to make it there (Augusta), but we'll see how we go.
"I was angry yesterday as I felt I took myself out of the golf tournament, but obviously I've put it back in it today with a good round. I'm going to need another couple of good rounds."
Poulter is on seven under alongside Justin Rose, while fellow Englishman Lee Westwood is further two strokes back and in danger of missing the Masters for the first time since 2004.
Live PGA Tour Golf
Ireland's Shane Lowry posted a second consecutive 68 to keep his hopes alive of a fourth consecutive Augusta appearance, with British Masters champion Paul Dunne a shot closer to the leaders after adding a 71 to his opening-round 64.
"It would be nice to have a chance to win on Sunday," Dunne said. Hopefully I can put a good round together tomorrow and put myself in a position to where I can get the adrenaline going."
Watch the Houston Open throughout the week live on Sky Sports Golf. Live coverage continues on Saturday from 7pm.
