Ian Poulter described the conditions as “brutal” moving into a three–way share of the lead on day three of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open at Dundonald Links.
The 41-year Florida-based Englishman carded a one-under par 71 to join compatriot Callum Shinkwin (72) and Australia’s Andrew Dodt (71) at nine-under par and two clear of their rivals on a windswept and rainy day on the Scottish west coast.
Poulter, and looking to win for a first time anywhere in five years, highlight his round with three birdies and one less bogey.
Ten days ago, the sometimes outspoken English golfer, brilliantly let his clubs do the talking in qualifying for next week’s Open Championship and where in 2008 he recorded a career best finish in all of his 53 Major showings of second.
Ian Poulter described the condition as “brutal” moving into a three-way share of the lead on day three of the Scottish Open at Dundonald Links.
“I am pretty happy as starting out we knew the conditions were going to be really tough today, and that is why they brought the tee times forward as much as they did, but then on the 12th hole it was about as tough as I have ever seen in terms of wind and rain“, he said.
“It was job just to hold onto the umbrella let alone trying to hit a 6 iron from 125 yards, and even that did not get near the pin.
“So, they were brutally tough conditions but I hung in there very strong and all in all it was a good day.
“Attitude was everything out there today as you can beat yourself up before you even get onto the golf course which is a problem.
“You just know it is going to be tough. You know it is links golf. You know the bunkers are there to catch you out. You know you can make a mistake at any given moment and especially in strong wind and rain.
“So, even before you go out you can do half the damage before your start and starting with the right frame of mind, and knowing it is going to be a tough day, certainly helped me out there today.
“And now with a round to play, and not having won in five years, I am excited and it is good to be in this position but it will be all about staying patient but then I know there is still life in the old dog, yet.
“I am relishing the opportunity tomorrow to go and give myself a chance of winning”.
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