Ian Poulter is used to being the object of fans’ scorn, particularly when playing in a Ryder Cup in the United States. As for any vitriol for the Englishman at the British Open, that’s usually another matter, especially at St. Andrews.
Not on Thursday.
A few loud boos were directed at Poulter as he teed off in the opening round of the Open. Then, he hooked his tee shot nearly off the property at the Old Course.
The unwarm welcome for the 46-year-old was likely in relation to Poulter’s decision to join the controversial LIV Golf tour in April. According to reports, Poulter signed a deal for around $20-$30 million to join the Saudi-backed league. He and the other LIV Golf defectors from the PGA Tour have since been suspended from the tour.
Alas, Poulter insisted he felt the crowd’s response was extremely welcoming.
“I actually thought I had a great reception on the first tee, to be honest — all I heard was clapping,” Poulter said after his round.
When made aware of the boos he received, Poulter quipped, “Oh, my gosh, I have heard not one heckle. In three weeks, I’ve heard nothing. In 18 holes, not one noise. You lot can write whatever you like about being heckled and booing. Didn’t happen.”
Poulter miraculously managed to save par on the opening hole. Later, he fared even better, jarring an incredible 162-foot putt for an eagle at the ninth.
In all, Poulter had three birdies, two bogeys, and the one eagle to shoot 69, putting him inside the top 20 on the leaderboard.