The Open: Nick Dougherty impressed with Ian Poulter and Paul Casey
Thursday 3 August 2017 10:48, UK
The performances of English duo Ian Poulter and Paul Casey were a first-round highlight for Nick Dougherty at The Open.
Poulter topped the leaderboard in the early stages at Royal Birkdale after two birdies in the opening four holes and another birdie at the 17th, following an excellent bunker shot, earned him a three-under 67.
The 41-year-old is just two shots off the lead, but his compatriot Casey is only one behind American trio Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka and Matt Kuchar thanks to his 66 which featured five birdies and just one bogey.
"I am delighted to see Ian Poulter there again," Dougherty told The Open Verdict.
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"We all know the ups and downs of his season - thinking he'd lost his card, getting it back, that amazing performance at The Players Championship and then last week at the Scottish Open [he showed] that his game is there or thereabouts.
"You just knew he was going to come back to Birkdale, where he came close last time in second place when Harrington won, and was going to be there or thereabouts. And I wouldn't be surprised to see him there again at the end of the week."
Poulter has been accompanied by his son Luke on his trip back to Europe in recent weeks and Dougherty feels that is benefiting his game.
"He's in a really great place in his life where he is enjoying life. He is free and easy with his golf game and he's getting rewarded for it as well," said Dougherty.
Dougherty feels it is a similar story with Casey who has been in tremendous form this season.
"Paul has a renewed zest for life. Family life suits him well," said Dougherty. "He is in a good place off the course and I think that transfers to being on there as well.
"He's got a lot to like about his golf game. He does so much well.
"Paul is such a consistent performer in the States. A golf game that when you watch the way he swings the club, the way he plays, it's so efficient.
"I'm surprised you don't see him in the top five every single week and he's built for major championship golf as well."
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