Open Championship 2013: Ian Poulter inspired by spirit of Medinah for final-day charge
Ian Poulter drew on his Medinah memories to inspire his remarkable final-round charge at the Open.
Last Updated: 21/07/13 8:41pm
The Englishman, who was Europe's talisman in their stunning Ryder Cup victory last year, looked out of the running at Muirfield as he failed to improve on his overnight five hole after eight holes.
But two excellent blows at the ninth preceeded a putt for eagle, and he soared up the leaderboard with birdies at the next three holes to get to level par for the championship.
He parred the next three before a poor tee shot at 16 cost him a shot, and a five-four finish completed a 67 to leave him at one over, which was only two off the lead at the time.
"The putts were going in the middle like they were in Medinah," said Poulter, who had to settle for a share of third place - four shots behind champion Phil Mickelson.
"The excitement, the atmosphere, the fans out there were certainly giving me a lot of electricity and pumping me up.
"It's nice to be in that position when you're playing in front of a home crowd holing 15-foot putts for eagles, birdies, and running up that leaderboard."
Poulter put a new putter in his bag for the tournament, and he added: "Today was the day where I felt the putter started to work. Certainly the last few events I felt like I haven't had that kind of roll where I've rolled key putts in at the right time.
Putter
"I've worked very hard in the last two weeks to find a putter that I felt very comfortable with.
"On 12 as I rolled that putt in to get myself back to level par I was right there in the mix. I think Westie (Westwood) had made bogey at that stage and was at two-under par.
"I realised then that they've got a lot of tricky holes to play to get to the position that I obviously was in at the time through 12 holes.
"I just felt that if I could stay patient, take a few chances, don't make silly mistakes then I could definitely move up that board.
"There was a six-shot swing in four holes last year. This tournament does it year in, year out, and it creates a lot of drama. You've just got to find yourself in position around the back nine and see if it's good enough."