Three putt bogey stings Poulter into action

AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) - Britain's Ian Poulter, stung by a three-putt bogey at the ninth, reeled off three consecutive birdies on the inward half to climb up the leaderboard at the U.S. Masters on Saturday.

Poulter carded a four-under-par 68 in tricky swirling winds in the third round at Augusta National.

"The only mistake I made was on nine," the 33-year-old Englishman told reporters after posting a four-under total of 212, seven shots off the pace.

"I had a 30-foot birdie putt and managed to convert that to a bogey which is really annoying.

"I was steaming. I have had four three-putts this week."

Poulter, who finished no worse than tied for 33rd in his four previous appearances at Augusta, launched his late birdie run after reaching the green in two at the par-five 13th.

He then struck a seven-iron to six inches at the par-four 14th before two-putting from long range at the par-five 15th.

EXTRA CHANCES

"They were three nice birdies but I had a few extra chances on the back nine which I should have taken," said Poulter, a seven-times winner on the European Tour.

Asked how he viewed his chances going into Sunday's final round, he replied: "It depends on how the course plays tomorrow.

"If the greens stay softish and they have fairly generous pins you will be able to make some birdies but so will the leaders.

"I think seven shots might be a push."

Poulter, whose best major finish was second place in last year's British Open at Royal Birkdale, has relished playing at the Masters since making his debut here in 2004.

"I have watched it all those years on telly and I love it," he said. "It is a serious test of golf, a test of patience.

"Hopefully I am learning to keep my patience better and my game is getting better."

(Editing by Tony Jimenez)