Poults positive over Open hopes

Ian Poulter admits he is feeling extremely confident about his game following an encouraging opening 67 at the Open Championship.

The Englishman carded four birdies and just a single bogey in his first round at Royal Birkdale to set the early clubhouse lead at three-under.

Although many of the field were still either on the course or yet to start when he finished up on the 18th green, his three-under score is unlikely to be too far away when play on the opening day concludes at around nine o’clock.

Having braved the early inclement conditions, Poulter will be hoping for better from the forecast when he returns on Friday afternoon.

Following a difficult few years, the 41-year-old has bounced back to form in recent months and was tied for ninth last week in Scotland.

He is currently 26.00 to break his duck in the majors by claiming the Claret Jug and having finished second in Southport back in 2008, admits he is feeling confident about his chances of glory.

“It was a great day, I knew the winds were going to be pretty strong but I planned and plotted away the course,” he said.

“I played some holes too safe but I really committed with the putter in hand. It all adds up to a decent score. “I’m playing with more confidence.

I’ve done a lot of work to maintain my consistency and hopefully that form continues on a course that’s such a strong venue. I like this course and I know I perform well on it.”