• Australian Masters, Round One

Poulter storms to early lead

ESPN staff
December 15, 2011
Ian Poulter claimed the round-one lead © Getty Images
Enlarge

Ian Poulter sits atop the leaderboard after round one of the Australian Masters in Melbourne.

The Englishman got off to the ideal start on Thursday with birdies on the opening two holes en route to a six-under 65. Indeed, Poulter sunk seven birdies in total as he shot clear of the field, with a bogey on the 11th being the only blemish on an otherwise fine round.

"I'm finding my way around the golf course and I guess I've done it pretty well today," Poulter said. "The only mistake I made was a three putt from about 20 feet on the 11th. I managed to make a couple of great up and downs.

"It's so nice to come to a good golf course with lots of irons off tees. I enjoy playing that type of golf. I like the way this golf course sets up for me."

Compatriot Luke Donald, meanwhile, shot a less convincing round of 69 to sit in a share of 10th place at two-under the card. The world No. 1 was solid off the tee, but struggled with his approach shots throughout the day, only able to birdie the ninth and 18th holes in a bogey-free round as a result.

Ashley Hall claimed second place, just one stroke behind Poulter, with an eagle on the 18th making up for a disappointing double bogey on the eighth. Fellow Australians Peter Lonard, Matthew Griffin, Kieran Pratt, Jarrod Lyle and Matthew Giles sit a further shot back alongside New Zealand's Mahal Pearce ahead of the second round.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices