Poulter backs up boasts in Masters first round

By Larry Fine

AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) - Ian Poulter recently caused a stir by predicting he could become Tiger Woods's main challenger and the Briton backed it up on Thursday when he took the early first-round lead at the U.S. Masters.

Poulter posted a two-under-par 70 thanks to an electrifying ace at the 16th, where his ball curled 25 feet down the sloping green before disappearing into the hole to ignite cheers that forced Woods to back off the tee at the nearby sixth hole.

The 32-year-old Englishman was quoted in a magazine interview as saying he had not yet played to his full potential but "when that happens it will be just me and Tiger" -- a reference he felt was highlighted out of context.

Poulter explained to golf reporters later that he was just saying that while the number one ranking was out of reach with Woods so far ahead of everyone else, there was no reason he could not become number two if he played to his potential.

The article made him look to some as being dismissive of highly-ranked players such as number two Phil Mickelson and being ranked 24th himself, Poulter also appeared conceited to lump himself as challenger to Woods.

"It was pretty difficult for a few days," Poulter told reporters after his opening round at Augusta National about reaction to the remarks.

"I wasn't comparing anything to Tiger. I wasn't going to say I was going to go win 84 tournaments on the PGA Tour. I haven't won one yet."

"It's not about proving anybody wrong to be honest. I fully believe in my own ability," added the Briton, a seven-times winner on the European Tour who is seeking his first U.S. win.

The style-minded Poulter, better known in the United States for his sartorial daring than for his golfing success, said he has been inspired by Woods.

"He's been a role model to be honest," Poulter said. "I'm born probably within 10 days of Tiger, and you know, I was still working in the pro shop when he was out playing golf.

"It just gave me a massive buzz to go out and start practicing harder and harder and harder 10 years ago, and it's nice to be playing golf in the same arena that he's playing golf in right now, because you have to test yourself."

Poulter said Woods has harbored no hard feelings following the publication of the controversial article.

"Tiger laughs all the time about it. He keeps calling me number two, which is nice," he said. "So I guess I just got to keep playing better golf and I might get there."

(Editing by Pritha Sarkar)