Poulter eyes Masters ticket in Houston
English Ryder Cup star produces seven birdies to move to 14- under
Ian Poulter kept alive his dream of a ticket to next week’s Masters on Saturday, firing a seven- under- par 65 to grab a share of the third round lead at the Houston Open.
The English Ryder Cup star produced seven birdies to move to 14 under.
Poulter was joined at the top of the leader board by Texas resident Beau Hossler, who drained a birdie on the last to move to 14 under with a 69.
Poulter’s performance was the latest twist of a roller coaster week for the 42- year- old, who was informed incorrectly during the WGC- Dell Technologies Match- Play championship in Austin that he had earned a place at Augusta.
He later learnt that information was wrong, just 10 minutes before he teed off in a semi- final with Kevin Kisner, which he duly lost.
Poulter, who delayed his decision to compete in Houston, said he had still been irked by the mix- up when he arrived this week, shooting a 73 in the first round as he attempted to force the pace.
“Maybe I was a bit angry on Thursday, maybe I was kind of forcing, trying to force my way into a tournament,” Poulter said.
“It didn’t work, had to rethink it, had to kind of blow the cobwebs out Thursday night and reset and go again.”
Although one strong round on last day could vault him into the Masters, Poulter said he would be relaxed either way. “I’ll have no emotion at all. I’m going to go play golf,” he said.