Ian Poulter lurking at Masters after keeping mistakes to a minimum

Article Photos

Photos description

Ian Poulter reacts to making par on #5 during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, Friday, April 12, 2019, in Augusta, Georgia. [ANDY NELSON/FOR THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE]

Ian Poulter is playing the underdog role — and doing it well.

Despite opening with rounds of 68 and 71 at this year's Masters, the Englishman said Friday that his chances of leaving Augusta in green are “3 percent.”

“Three percent, apparently, according to everyone else,” Poulter said. “I've got a 3 percent chance. I'm happy, I'm confident, I mean I'm as confident as I'm ever going to be with someone who’s got a 3 percent chance, so.”

When asked where the 3 percent originated from, he said, “It was a stat shown on TV of 43‑year‑olds that have got a three percent chance of winning this week.”

Photos: 2019 Masters Round 2

This marks Poulter’s best two-day start at Augusta National since posting consecutive rounds of 68 in 2010 to lead after 36 holes. Still, he was quick to admit his game wasn't as sharp Friday as it was a day earlier.

“I was pressing on occasion and got myself a little out of position on a couple of tee shots and missed a couple of greens,” he said. “But I haven't done a lot wrong.”

Poulter opened Friday’s round with a bogey at No. 1 before a birdie on the par-5 second hole. He parred his ensuing nine holes before making birdies on Nos. 12 and 13. That momentum was halted, however, with a bogey on No. 14.

“I feel comfortable, I feel I'm hitting it well,” Poulter said. “I like the golf course, I know a lot about the course for certain pins. I'm just trying to be smart and not take myself out of the tournament, which I've done in the past.”