Ian has wind in his sails

– Ian Poulter (below) already had fond memories of Royal Birkdale before he marked his return to Major championship golf with a three-under-par 67 that put him in contention in the first round of the British Open yesterday.

Poulter’s best performance at a Major remains his second-place finish behind Padraig Harrington on the Southport links in 2008 and there was no doubt that helped him as he took the early clubhouse lead before dropping back a little as the day wore on.

“What was helpful was that the wind today was like it was on the Sunday last time it was played here in 2008,” said Poulter who had three birdies and a bogey as he went out in 32 and then also birdied the long 17th.

Poulter, now 41, had missed five consecutive Majors before coming through qualifying to secure his place this week.

A year ago he was absent from the line-up at Troon due to an injury that also denied him the chance to play in the Ryder Cup.

He ended up working as a commentator for television at the Open and was a vice-captain for Europe at Hazeltine. But he admits those experiences were nothing compared to playing.

“Last year I was commentating for the first two days, which was difficult. That’s one of the most difficult things I’ve done,” he said.

“The other difficult thing I’ve done is obviously not playing Ryder Cup and being a vice-captain. The experience was amazing, but it was very, very hard.”

Poulter has climbed back up to 78th in the world rankings after a year that has included a second-place finish at the Players Championship.

His recent improvement also saw him share the lead going into the final round at last week’s Scottish Open before eventually fading to ninth.

“I was in position last week, didn’t finish it off, and I’ve come out strong again this week. So hopefully we can continue that form,” he said. – AFP