|
Poulter records hole-in-one
10/04/2008 20:53 - (SA)
Augusta - Britain's Ian Poulter
spectacularly aced the par-three 16th hole to vault into the
early lead in the US Masters first round on Thursday.
The Englishman holed out from 170 yards to get to three
under overall in the opening major of the year, having earlier
birdied the par-five second.
It was the 21st ace recorded at the Masters, and the first
since South Africa's Trevor Immelman holed out at the 16th in
2005.
American Mark O'Meara, the 1998 champion, was among a group
of five players tied for second place at two under on a
sun-kissed day at Augusta National Golf Club.
O'Meara had completed 16 holes, defending champion Zach
Johnson seven, Britain's Luke Donald seven, American Brian
Bateman four and 1991 winner Ian Woosnam of Britain three.
Tournament favourite Tiger Woods, seeking his 14th major
title, was level for the round after parring the first six
holes.
The world number one, a four times champion at Augusta, was
fortunate not to drop a shot on the opening hole where he
benefited from a favourable bounce off the tee.
Ricocheting ball
On a calm morning, the 32-year-old American struck a tree
with his drive at the par-four first, his ball ricocheting down
into the rough left of the fairway.
From there, Woods hit his second shot to the right of the
green, chipped eight feet past the hole and sank a tricky putt
to save par.
Four times champion Arnold Palmer hit the ceremonial first
shot before lingering fog delayed the start of the 72nd Masters
by an hour.
The 78-year-old American, a crowd favourite at Augusta since
his debut in 1955, struck his drive straight down the middle
before his ball disappeared in the fog.
"I've hit it out of sight," the seven times major winner
said with a smile.
|
Rugby
