Cape Town – England’s Ian Poulter joined his fellow competitors in falling foul of the conditions at the US Open during Round 3 at Shinnecock Hills on Saturday.
Particularly so on the 15th hole, when his “perfect bunker shot” landed five feet short of the hole, according to the BBC website.
He said: “The ball had no speed on it but it ran five, six, eight, 10, 20, 50 feet past the hole. It was impossible.
“It was brutally tough. Some of the putts were impossible. Some of the pin positions were impossible to get at, to even leave yourself a 25-foot uphill putt. They set it up like this for a reason. They want it brutally hard. It’s a stern test.”
And USGA chief Mike Davis’ comments did little to appease the world No 27, who is seeking his first major success.
In a rant on Twitter, Poulter said of Davis’ words: “Is that an apology? You don’t get mulligans in business at this level. How can this team keep doing this without consequences?”
The Englishman also said he had been verbally abused on every hole by spectators.
I’m not sure i could possibly comment without using words which shouldn’t be seen… just like some of those pins. “Disappointing” @USGA @usopengolf why are mistake still being made at this level. Was that fun to watch guys ? I’m only 4 behind & can still win this ???????? https://t.co/sbXm36JmAN
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) June 17, 2018
Is that an apology ?
Just grow a set of balls and say we £€¥#ed it up again…
You don’t get mulligan’s in business at this level. how can this team keep doing this without consequences. https://t.co/INvUmT6M6P— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) June 17, 2018
Verbally abused on every hole does get a little old.. That’s not really golf either. Ryder Cup in 2024 COULD become a little silly, just like today was. @usopengolf @USGA
Still we never hear the word SORRY.
When I F@&$ up I have to apologize. Not the @USGA ???????????????????? https://t.co/T2mrna08bq— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) June 17, 2018
Thanks guys did Bozo set the course up or are the @USGA going to accept responsibility or just say “IF WE HAD A MULLIGAN” I would have liked about 6 mulligans today. But they are not allowed at this level. “Apparently” pic.twitter.com/O08vOpNlTx
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) June 17, 2018