Singapore: Ian Poulter shook off the effects of a six-week layoff to fire an opening round five-under-par 66 for a one-shot lead at the weather-affected Singapore Open on Thursday.
The Briton teed off on a baking hot morning and made the most of good scoring conditions around the demanding Serapong Course to get safely back to the clubhouse before a three-hour rain delay meant none of the late starters completed their rounds.
Sitting a shot back of the 33-year-old Englishman at the USD 5 million co-sanctioned event are South Africa's Ernie Els and Taiwanese qualifier Chan Yih-shin, who recorded matching bogey-free 67s.
"I have had six weeks off so it was nice to ease into a round of golf and I didn't know what to expect," Poulter told reporters after he offset a lone bogey on the par-four first hole (his 10th) with a run of four birdies in five holes.
"I have practised pretty hard recently to get ready for what is now seven weeks on the bounce and after the bogey, I hit some good shots to give myself chances with a few holes to play."
Denmark's Anders Hansen, France's Thomas Levet and Japan's Kodai Ichihara were a stroke further back on three-under, with American world number two Phil Mickelson poised to launch a challenge on two-under for the tournament.
Els was delighted with his play from tee to green but endured a frustrating day with the putter and felt he missed a golden opportunity to register a much lower score.
"I left a lot of putts out there and that's the way it has been," the burly South African lamented.
"Some of the putts I feel I am really hitting it on the line I see and make good strokes but they just don't go in. I'm in a bit of a lull with the short stick, maybe I'll change putters tomorrow."
Chan, who also qualified last year before finishing a creditable 32nd, continued his love affair with the tight Sentosa Golf Club layout by cleverly mixing aggressive and conservative play.
"Everything was great today, from my putting to my swing," he said. "When I had a chance to attack the pins, I attacked. Luckily, my tee shots put me in a good position to do this."
Ending the year with a busy schedule, Poulter still has plenty to play for in the remaining weeks and will push to improve his ranking position on a number of fronts.
"I have seven tournaments remaining, of which five will be qualifying for Ryder Cup points," he added.
"With that in mind, hopefully I can play really solid golf and I also have four tournaments that count towards the Race to Dubai. If I win or play solid, it gives me a chance to catch a lot of people and move up from 29th."
Despite picking up three bogeys, Mickelson was also pleased with his day's work, especially a stunning eagle-two on the par-four 13th hole.
"It was one of the better shots," the Californian said.
"I hit a 3 wood off the tee, which went right along the water's edge. It left me a 7 iron, which caught the little low spot where the pin was and I got lucky."
"I didn't know until I got up there."
Mickelson has spent some time off the course since helping the United States retain the Presidents Cup earlier this month and expects to improve as the week progresses.
"I haven't played competitively in two weeks so I am glad that I played well today," he added.
"I feel that as the week goes on I will get better and better. As I get more accustomed to the speed of the greens and the grass, as well as just getting into the competition aspect of it... I think I will play better."
The 78 players who teed off in the afternoon will return to the course at 7:40 a.m. on Friday (2340 GMT Thursday) and complete their opening 18 holes before the second round can commence immediately afterwards.
Bureau Report