The Open: Ian Poulter among early leaders at Royal Birkdale
By Keith Jackson at Royal Birkdale
Last Updated: 20/07/17 2:11pm
Ian Poulter reflected on a "great day" as he marked his first round in a major since the 2016 Masters with a three-under 67 at The 146th Open.
Poulter got off to a great start in the cool, breezy conditions at Royal Birkdale as he birdied two of the first four holes, but he found an awkward lie in a bunker at the seventh and could only splash out to 20 feet.
The par putt shaved the hole, but he replied with a good birdie at the ninth before picking up his fourth shot of the day at the long 17th as he replaced Stuart Manley in the early clubhouse lead.
Poulter was in particularly good form on the greens and needed only 25 putts on the day, and he attributed his performance to astute preparation on Wednesday evening.
"It was a great day," said the 41-year-old. "Always knew there would be pretty strong winds today, and as I sat down to review the weather last night with the yardage book in hand, I kind of planned or plotted away around this golf course to try and keep out of the fairway bunkers.
"A couple of holes I may have played it a little bit too safe, but I was more committed with the putter in hand, and I think that showed, definitely holing a few more putts than what I hold over the last few weeks. I hit a lot of good putts, and hit a lot of good shots, and it adds up to a good score."
Poulter enjoyed excellent support from the enthusiastic galleries at the Southport links, and he added: "Absolutely incredible crowds today. The Open is extremely special from a fan perspective and from a player to be clapped on to every single green, it means a lot.
"Players love playing here, they love playing in The Open, and spectators respect that as well. And they really make you feel great out on the golf course, and I felt that today. They definitely gave me a little bit of a buzz and they gave me a bit of energy on the greens, as well."
Matt Fitzpatrick was another Englishman to enjoy an encouraging opening round as he battled back from being two over after six holes to salvage a 69 thanks to a back-nine 34.
"I definitely would say that I'd take one under," said the Sheffield ace, who birdied the 10th, 14th and 17th holes to get under the card and would settle for the same score on Friday in what is expected to be the worst day for weather.
"Hopefully another good round tomorrow. Obviously I don't know what the weather is going to be like, but I'd probably take one under again if it's like today. You're never going to be too far off the pace."
