Ian Poulter secured a place at this week’s Masters after a dramatic play-off victory over American Beau Hossler at the Houston Open in Texas.
The 42-year-old forced a sudden death play-off after he sunk a lengthy birdie putt at the 18th hole to finish at 19 under alongside 23-year-old Hossler, who was seeking his first PGA Tour victory.
The pair replayed the par-four final hole and Hossler chipped out of a bunker into the water. Poulter then two-putted for par to secure victory.
The event was Poulter’s last remaining chance to qualify for the tournament in Augusta, which starts on Thursday. A week ago he was told he had already qualified, having reached the last eight at the World Golf Championships Match Play. However, he was then informed 10 minutes before his quarter-final match against Kevin Kisner that he actually needed to reach the semi-finals to earn his Masters place – and he subsequently lost 8&6 to the American.
“Last week was painful,” Poulter said. “I came here this week tired and frustrated. I had packed my bags to leave on Friday night, and had a mental switch. I was patient, I waited my time, and this is amazing. I haven’t won a stroke play event in the United States before, and to do it this week is amazing.”
Poulter’s victory came in the wake of a recent decision to use the putter which brought him fame at the Ryder Cup in 2012. He was tied with Hossler at 14 under going into the final round, and had led after four birdies and a bogey in the front nine. However, he was unable to replicate that in the back nine, where Hossler made four birdies to take a one-shot lead heading into the final hole.
Hossler’s putt for a birdie missed the hole by millimetres to leave Poulter with the chance to take the match to a play-off. Poulter, who had been tied for 123rd after a one-over 73 in the first round, kept his nerve as he holed out from 20 feet, prompting a passionate show of emotion, as he beat his chest in celebration.
The victory, which came with a first prize of $1.2m, moved Poulter from 51st to 29th in the world rankings, his highest position since 2014.
Poulter’s best performance at the Masters came in 2015, when he finished tied sixth in the year Jordan Spieth equalled the lowest winning score to win his first major.