The 150th Open is underway at St Andrews, with headlines already being made as competitors are already taking to the course, with Tiger Woods aiming for a historic 16th major.

He’s joined by the likes of Rory Mcllroy, Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler on the course, with Ian Poulter already showing why he’s been ranked as high as fifth in the world.

On the ninth hole, the veteran Poulter moved into the joint lead with a crazy eagle. He made a ludicrous put from 160 feet away from the pin, shocking even himself in the aftermath, reacting comically for the camera and those watching on.

As things stand when writing this, he has dropped to tied second, just one shot off the lead with a hole less played, so he is certainly keeping his eye in during the early exchanges of the historic championship.

Poulter is three under for the round after 13 holes thanks to that monster eagle put on the ninth, giving himself a real chance of being involved in the business end of the competition should he keep up like this.

It’s been five years since he has tasted success, winning the Houston Open in 2017, ending what was a five-year drought then, is that a sign for Poulter?!

He also has two World Golf Championships under his belt to complete his three PGA Tour victories, winning the Accenture Match Play Championship in 2012 and then the HSBC Champions title in 2012.

Ian Poulter

A seven-time Ryder Cup competitor, Poulter has had plenty more successes on the European and International tours, with 12 accolades to his name.

However, those came over a decade ago and some over two decades ago, so he clearly hasn’t been at his best for a while.

It would be a shock victory at St Andrews should Poulter continue like he is, but he certainly has the pedigree to perform on the big stage.

If he could make a comeback to the winners circle at The Open, it would undoubtedly be the highlight of his career, coming towards the back end of it too.

Last season he achieved three top 10s and qualified for the FedExCup Playoffs for the 14th time out of 15. The highlight coming at the Charles Schwab Challenge where he came tied third.

One thing we know for certain, it will definitely take something special to beat that put at this tournament in terms of distance with a putter.