'Hot-headed' Poulter regrets his outburst at French Open

Published on Tuesday 7 July 2009 22:55

IAN Poulter has admitted that some of the remarks he made in the immediate aftermath of the French Open at the weekend, when he threatened never to play in the event again because a camera went off during his backswing, were "hot headed".

Speaking at Loch Lomond, where he is preparing for the Barclays Scottish Open, Poulter said: "I walked off the golf course, very frustrated and very angry. From a position of 85th after the first day, I was contending. I honestly felt as if I had a chance to win.

"I was a little hot-headed, as I am at times when I walk off the course and something doesn't go too well.

"Obviously I said a few things which I probably wouldn't have said on Monday morning on reflection."

When a golf writer then attempted to ask the Englishman if he would now withdraw his threat not to return to the French, Poulter declined to be drawn further. "The French is finished, the French is done," he interrupted. "I've said enough."

Having finished runner-up to Padraig Harrington at Birkdale last summer before becoming the leading points scorer in the Ryder Cup at Valhalla – he was also second at the Players Championship in May – Poulter feels good about his chances going into the Scottish Open and the Open at Turnberry.

"The Ryder Cup was a huge turning point – a career changing move," he added. "When I think about those tournaments where I've put in good finishes, then I feel good about going into these big events."

Promising to wear tartan trews over the next two weeks, Poulter isn't shy about what he hopes to achieve in Scotland and doesn't accept a winning performance at Loch Lomond would undermine his chances at Turnberry in any way.

"Listen, if I've got a chance on Sunday afternoon and need to make a three or four down the last, then I'll be trying to make three or four down the last," he said.

"I don't believe in all those old wives' tales."