Ian Poulter rages at Shinnecock set-up and American fans at US Open
Last Updated: 17/06/18 5:56pm
Ian Poulter took to Twitter on Saturday evening to lambast the USGA about the pin placements at Shinnecock Hills following a controversial third round of the US Open.
The USGA was forced to apologise for the set-up at the end of a day in which the earlier starters had a significant advantage, recalling memories of 2004, when tournament organisers lost control of the same course on the final day.
Daniel Berger and Tony Finau started the day 11 shots off the pace, but both took advantage of the easier early conditions to fire four-under 66s which proved enough to share the overnight lead on three over and earn a place in Sunday's final pairing.
Poulter's 76 left him four shots back on seven over and he was unimpressed with the apology made by USGA executive director Mike Davis, asking "how can this team keep doing this without consequences?" on social media.
I’m not sure i could possibly comment without using words which shouldn’t be seen... just like some of those pins. “Disappointing” @USGA @usopengolf why are mistake still being made at this level. Was that fun to watch guys ? I’m only 4 behind & can still win this 👍🏻👊🏻 https://t.co/sbXm36JmAN
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) June 17, 2018
Is that an apology ?
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) June 17, 2018
Just grow a set of balls and say we £€¥#ed it up again...
You don’t get mulligan’s in business at this level. how can this team keep doing this without consequences. https://t.co/INvUmT6M6P
He then asked "Did Bozo set the course up?" when Sunday's tee-times were announced.
Thanks guys did Bozo set the course up or are the @USGA going to accept responsibility or just say “IF WE HAD A MULLIGAN” I would have liked about 6 mulligans today. But they are not allowed at this level. “Apparently” pic.twitter.com/O08vOpNlTx
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) June 17, 2018
The 42-year-old was not alone in his disgust, with Rafa Cabrera Bello also tweeting his dissatisfaction while Tyrrell Hatton suggested golf fans should be singing "you're getting sacked in the morning" to organisers.
Painful finish with a 7 at the last that ruins a pretty decent day. Regardless, it was not a fair test of golf. Greens were unplayable, with unnecessary pin positions. @USGA found a way to make us look like fools on the course.A pity they manage to destroy a beautiful golf course
— Rafa Cabrera Bello (@RCabreraBello) June 16, 2018
If golf fans sang like football fans, they would be singing “you’re getting sacked in the morning” to whoever decided the pin placements for the back 9 😂🙈 #carnage
— Tyrrell Hatton (@TyrrellHatton) June 16, 2018
Poulter also had plenty to say about the New York crowds, suggesting their behaviour had crossed a line following shouts of "USA!" after his bogey at the 16th and wondering what the scenes might be like at the 2024 Ryder Cup, which will be held nearby at Bethpage Black.
Verbally abused on every hole does get a little old.. That’s not really golf either. Ryder Cup in 2024 COULD become a little silly, just like today was. @usopengolf @USGA
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) June 17, 2018
Still we never hear the word SORRY.
When I F@&$ up I have to apologize. Not the @USGA 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/T2mrna08bq
Poulter tees off at 6.18pm alongside South Africa's Branden Grace, with Hatton in the pair behind.
