Ian Poulter finishes the Open in style

Ian Poulter produced the sensational final day charge that swept him through the chasing pack to lead The Open in the clubhouse at +1 – and then face an agonising wait to see if it would be enough.

Poulter’s brilliant four under par 67 saw him surge through at Muirfield – as overnight leader Lee Westwood fell back into the chasing pack and it got bunched between him, Adam Scott and Phil Mickelson at the top.

Poults could only watch the action unfold having done all he could. He bogeyed the third and that put him +6 – but then he birdied 5, eagled 9 and then started the back nine with three straight birdies to reach -5 for his round.

He gave one back on the par 3 16th and parred in to complete his resurgence and speaking afterwards, Poults said: “We will just have to wait and see. I’ve done all I can and I am happy with my 67. It’s what I’ve posted.

“If I am being honest, when I went to bed last night eight shots back, I didn’t think it was doable. It’s a long way back. I know Paul Lawrie came from ten at Carnoustie.

“But I really got going and when I was five under through 12, I knew I was there and had a chance. They were going in the middle of the hole, just like at Medinah.

“I just love playing in The Open in front of home crowds, the buzz and excitement and support you get from them is inspiring. And I’ve taken a lot from Justin winning the US Open

“I’ve got an 8pm plane booked to get back – I’ve got my Woburn Junior Series day tomorrow from 7:30am – but hopefully I’ll be sticking around here until I’m holding a Claret Jug. Then I’ll get the same plane. Only later!”

Poults drew similarities to the work he has been doing on his putting, having changed putters recently, to that he did before Birkdale in 2008 where he finished runner-up.

“That was the last time I burned feet marks in the green, practising so much with a new putter,” he said. “Maybe I should have a new one every week but I just got a great roll on it today.

“If I could have a couple of shots back again, I’d have the birdie putt on 13 I missed and tee shot on 15. That was annoying to pull it and bogey that hole, and not to birdie 17 was also disappointing.

“But I’ve given it my all. I’ve got a few hours to fill now, talking to you guys, eating some lunch. If there’s a play-off, I’ll be ready.”