Ian Poulter was left visibly miffed on Saturday after being wrongly informed by multiple media sources that he had in fact qualified for this year’s Masters Tournament.
The 42-year-old was given the misinformation after a stunning morning match that saw Poulter sink eight birdies against Louis Oosthuizen to win 2&1. The Titleist golfer was only informed of the mistake 10 minutes before his quarter final match against Kevin Kisner began.
“I guess I should never listen to other people,” said Poulter. “You finish a round of golf and the press and everybody are telling you you’re in the Masters, and then you get a text message 10 minutes before you tee off to correct everybody, to say 'oh, we’ve made a mistake, actually, no, that was wrong, you’re not in."
Poulter went on to lose his Saturday afternoon match to Kisner 8&6. While his frustration at the mistake was understandable, Poulter was quick to point out that it wasn’t a factor in his loss.
Telling reporters, “I mean, I can’t put that down as an excuse. It would be an excuse if I said it.” Adding, “it’s disappointing to be given the wrong information, but that wasn’t any part of this afternoon.”
This will be the second straight year the Englishman has missed the Masters. But there is still one chance left for him to make it. All he has to do is win this week’s Houston Open, but as of Monday Poulter wasn’t sure he’d be up to playing this week in Texas.
“I’m tired. It’s been a long week. It’s been a draining week,” said Poulter. Adding, “I’ll wait until Monday night, and if I have the energy, then I will.”
