Poulter has come through the storm and could now clinch unlikely victory
IAN POULTER has given himself a glorious chance of his first win in five years at the Scottish Open today and the ultimate confidence boost heading to The Open.
Just three months ago Poulter’s career was at the crossroads. Calling on that warrior spirit that served him so well at several Ryder Cups, his revival will be rendered complete if the 41-year-old wins today.
Poulter defied some brutal conditions at times at Dundonald near Troon to post a 71 for a three-way tie for the lead with fellowEnglishman Callum Shinkwin and Australian Andrew Dodt. Perhaps the happiest camper of all, though, was Englishman Andy Sullivan.
Teeing off three and a half hours before the leaders and seven shots off the pace, Sullivan played most of the round in far better conditions and hit a 67.
The Midlander will start today two off the pace. He had quipped before teeing off yesterday: ‘I hope it blows a hoolie and they get plenty of rain as well.’ That is what happened. Poulter and Shinkwin were playing together and what a contrast they made. One a household name, the other barely known outside his home club of Moor Park in
Hertfordshire. On this evidence, it will not be long before all that changes for the 24-year-old Shinkwin, who is an impressive ball striker.
It may well all change today if he keeps his cool.
Not only does he have a golden opportunity to claim one of the last three spots available for The Open, he is also playing for the small matter of a first prize of £963,000. Bear in mind that last year he was eighth in this event for his largest cheque to this point — £79,000.
As for Poulter, this was not on his schedule in April. He thought he would be in America playing low-key events such as this week’s John Deere Classic after losing his PGA Tour card. It was returned to him following an extraordinary administrative error and, well, talk about taking a second chance.
Suddenly he was back in the field for the Players Championship in Florida in May, where a runner-up finish took care of all his worries about retaining his card. That allowed him to plan a full schedule in Europe this summer. ‘I’m excited I’ve given myself a chance to show there’s life in the old dog yet,’ said Poulter.
‘The conditions were as bad as I’ve ever played in. At the 11th, it was difficult to hold on to the umbrella let alone hit a six iron 125 yards, so I’m pleased.’