Ian Poulter has shot an impressive 67 at the Hong Kong Open after arriving in the Chinese city within 24 hours of his tee time. The English star needed to compete in the event to have any hope of qualifying for next years Ryder Cup.
Fairly happy with that result today... 3 under par and left a few out there. Fair chance of a little snooze in the courtesy car to hotel.
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) October 22, 2015
Poulter got his place in the tournament after former major winner Rich Beem turned down his sponsors invite to led the Englishman play. The Ryder Cup star needs to play 13 events on the European Tour this season to be eligible to play in next years Ryder Cup should he qualify.
Wins on the European Tour and PGA Tour last week for Andy Sullivan and Emiliano Grillo meant Poulter was pushed outside the World's top 50. He had planned to play in next months HSBC Champions event in China to fulfill the 13 tournament criteria to keep his European Tour membership but lost his playing privileges for the event after falling outside the top 50.
That meant he had to play in Hong Kong arrived at the first tee without a practice round and with a local caddy. Poulter spoke to Nick Dye after his round about his eventful few days.
It was a good first round for both Kevin Phelan and Graeme McDowell. Phelan needs at least a top six finish to have any hope of retaining his tour card. He currently lies in a tie for sixth on -4 just two shots off the lead. McDowell is also on -4, with Wei-chih Lu leading the field.
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