LIV rebels Phil Mickelson and Ian Poulter played down suggestions they had received a hostile reception during the first round of the The Open at St Andrew’s. Poulter was was greeted with a smattering of boos on the first tee before shooting a three-under-par 69 and Mickelson was unfazed by his decision not to attend the pre-tournament champions dinner.
Englishman Poulter, revered in European golf for his inspirational Ryder Cup performances, was booed by a few spectators, although he appeared not to notice. He said: “I actually thought I had a great reception on the first tee, to be honest. All I heard was clapping. Poulter reacted with indignation to suggestions he was heckled around the course. "Oh, my gosh, I have heard not one heckle. In three weeks, I've heard nothing. You lot can write whatever you like about being heckled and booing.”
Poulter said his relationship with other players had not been affected by his decision to join the LIV breakaway. "We might have a difference of opinion, but they're my friends," he said. "You play golf with these guys for 20-plus years or 10, 15 years, you've been part of many teams with them. We're still friends, whatever the landscape is and wherever you're playing golf." Poulter, 46, will not allow himself to be distracted as he bids to win his first major title. I'm here to play golf. This could probably be my last Open Championship at St Andrews. So I'm trying to enjoy it despite the questioning," he said. I shot three under. I was quite happy. I was nice and relaxed."
