Ian Poulter progresses through Final Qualifying to reach The Open
Last Updated: 05/07/17 4:06pm
Ian Poulter has secured his place at The Open after progressing through Final Qualifying at Woburn.
The 41-year-old grabbed one of 15 spots available across five venues on Tuesday, posting rounds of 70 and 68 on his home course to qualify for the third major of the year.
The five-time Ryder Cup star, who missed last year's contest through injury, finished runner-up to Padraig Harrington when The Open was last held at Royal Birkdale in 2008.
Shiv Kapur topped the Woburn standings on eight under after firing nine birdies in his second-round 65, with Toby Tree joining Poulter in a share of second despite three bogeys on his back nine.
"I would say Birkdale is my favourite Open venue because of 2008 and I'm looking forward to competing there," Poulter said. "It's going to be a busy run.
"It will be my fourth tournament in a row but it's about managing my energy levels. But as soon as I get there I will be pumped for the week.
"It would have been disappointing to miss out, especially around this course (Woburn). I would have been expected to have qualified and I guess you can say job well done."
Matthew Southgate won qualifying at Royal Cinque Ports, finishing three strokes clear of Robert Dinwiddie, with Austin Connelly claiming the final place after a four-man play-off.
At Gailes Links, 21-year-old Scottish amateur Connor Syme shared top spot with American Julian Suri, with Australia's Ryan McCarthy taking the last place after a four-man play-off.
Haydn McCullen carded a course record of 64 to lead an English 1-2-3 at Hillside ahead of Nicholas McCarthy and Adam Hodkinson.
There were three more English qualifiers at Notts Hollinwell, after Mark Foster and Joe Dean tied for first on 10 under par and Laurie Canter emerged from a three-man play-off on seven under.
The Open Qualifying series continues this week, with three spots on offer at the Irish Open and four available at the Greenbrier Classic.
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