The Open: Poulter puzzled by suggestions of negative crowd reaction

Ian Poulter took aim at the media after his third round 70 at The Open on Saturday, saying he has been getting plenty of support from the crowd at St Andrews.

The Englishman received a frosty reception from some at the famous course when he teed off on Thursday following his defection to LIV Golf, though he said he only heard cheers.

Poulter seemed to receive more favourable crowd reactions on Saturday as he moved to five under heading into the final round in Fife.

When asked about getting a better from the huge crowds after his round, a spiky Poulter replied during a news conference: "Are we still talking about it? Did you hear one bad comment?

"It's amazing how we still talk about one person that's 100 yards down the first [hole], where there's conveniently a microphone positioned halfway down the stand and some young guy says 'boo', and it comes over on the TV. And you all assume I'm being booed on the course.

"Paul Casey [another LIV Golf competitor] walked 17 holes on day one... And the 17 holes he walked, there was not one comment. There was not one boo. If you guys continue to write that there are people and there's negative comments and there's boos, then unfortunately that's not a true reflection of exactly what happened.

"It would be really nice if people would actually write the truth, that we're getting quite a lot of support out there on the golf course because it would just be nice. It would be a fair reflection of actually what's happening, rather than this continual press of 'let's lead down the path of players being booed who have joined the LIV tour.'"

Couldn't play in Scotland and not wear tartan could I…@TheOpen pic.twitter.com/wvXaEO6k0M
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) July 16, 2022

Poulter says nothing will stop him from enjoying what he says will be his last Open at such an iconic venue.

"This is my fifth Open at St Andrews. It will be my last Open at St Andrews," he told reporters. "I've got my whole family here watching. So I'm here to enjoy myself.

"The reception I've had has been remarkable, to be honest. I've enjoyed every part of it. It's been great not to read any rubbish in the press this week, which has been unusual for me to not read it.

"I've deliberately not read it, but just listening to some of the questioning is quite funny."