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It might be a more benign set-up than we’ve been accustomed to for the US Open but that doesn’t mean Pebble Beach is playing easy. 

Just ask Ian Poulter. 

The Englishman came a cropper on the third hole, his 12th, racking up an ugly QUADRUPLE-BOGEY eight after getting into a spot of bother on one of the bunker edges.

Poulter, 43, found a fairway bunker off the tee and, from there, could only advance the ball into the high grass on top of the front greenside bunker, leaving him with a near impossible stance.

• Spieth branded a “douche” for caddie criticism

• Mickelson suffers embarrassment in first round

That’s what the ‘fun’ really began. This was his first attempt…

No, your eyes are not deceiving you. He failed to connect with the ball.

• Pro takes ELEVEN at 18th in Round 1

Take two wasn’t much better…

Ouch!

It’s not completely clear what happened next but it appears that he hit his next shot – his fifth – through the green, knocked the return past the hole, and then two-putted for an eight.

• “Get over yourself!” – Beem hits out at English ace

Poulter rallied after that disaster, playing his final six holes in two-under but, on four-under for the championship, his challenge ended after just 36 holes. 

Still, at least he was able to keep it all in perspective…


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Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

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