Ian Poulter has hit out at suggestions that he is being booed by the Open crowd, and feels that they have been supportive of him instead.
The Englishman has been subject to criticism due to his allegiance to the LIV tour, which is Saudi-backed. Poulter was booed on Thursday at St Andrews when he teed off having been the first of the 24 players that have signed up for the LIV series.
After his round of 70, Poulter was asked if he felt he was receiving ‘a lot’ of support following the chorus of boos on the opening day – and he snapped back. The 46-year-old replied: “Are we still talking about it?”
The journalist then confirmed that he did not hear any boos on Friday, contrary to the day before. Poulter replied: “No, okay. So it's amazing how we still talk about one person that's 100 yards down the 1st, where there's conveniently a microphone positioned way down halfway down the stand and some young guy says boo, and it comes over on the TV. And you all assume I'm being booed on the course.
“We're getting quite a lot of support out there. That would be a fair reflection of actually what's happening, rather than this continual press of let's go down the path of players being booed who have joined the LIV tour. Fair, respectful, honest journalism would be great because it would be the truth.
“The reception I've had has been remarkable, to be honest. I've enjoyed every part of it. It has been great not to read any rubbish this week, which has been unusual for me to not read it.”
Poulter was not alone in being booed, with a small group of spectators targeting Lee Westwood as he walked down to the sixth on Saturday. The trio of young men chanted ‘L-I-V’, though that was a very rare occurrence on Saturday.
Neither Westwood nor Poulter, who have played over 40 Opens between them, were able to challenge for the title on this occasion. And it is now likely that the pair won’t be returning to the event next year. Poulter confirmed that he won't be at St Andrews next year later in his interview, saying: “For me making three-putt bogeys from long distances is annoying.
“As I walk off the golf course every single day, I'm really disappointed with the score I'm on, not taking the opportunities really on the 5s that I should have done as well this week. And I'm in the end going to walk away from this week unfortunately disappointed with the end result, but nevertheless, I'll enjoy tomorrow.
“This is my fifth Open at St Andrews, it will be my last Open here. 'I've got my whole family watching so I'm here to enjoy myself. My kids will be here to watch. And it will be wonderful."
