Poulter nails Masters place

– Ian Poulter (above) dramatically earned the final Masters invitation, defeating American tour rookie Beau Hossler at the first extra play-off hole to capture the Houston Open on Sunday.

Poulter now joins a Masters field of 87 competitors, returning to Augusta National for the first time since 2016 with his appearance making amends after falling short a week ago in trying to qualify for the year’s first Major championship.

“I had to dig deep today and I am delighted with the way I played and how I’ve managed to come from behind to win,” Poulter said.

Poulter, 42 had been three shots clear of his 23-year-old rival standing on the 11th tee but then found himself one behind when Hossler birdied four holes in succession from the 11th to move one shot clear at 19-under par.

Poulter then drew on his enormous Ryder Cup experience to hole a 20-foot birdie putt at the 72nd green to tie Hossler’s score of 67 and for both to finish on 19-under to send the event into extra holes.

Hossler then handed Poulter his first win since 2012 in finding a fairway bunker with his drive and then sending his second into the water, eventually taking a triple bogey seven to Poulter’s par.

The win is Poulter’s 17th career victory but only his third on the PGA Tour after two earlier WGC victories. It is his first title anywhere since capturing his 2012 WGC-HSBC Champions win in Shanghai.

Also, Poulter is the first PGA Tour winner in 35 years to come back from 123rd place after the first round and win. –

Houston