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Ian Poulter and son Luke made sure they were well hydrated as they prepared for their heated battle in Open Qualifying today. The father and son duo are at Royal Cinque Ports for a 36-hole sprint to make the upcoming 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush. The top five from the four Final Qualifying events around the country will book their place at the final major of the year. Ian Poulter, who has 17 professional wins to his name, is an Open veteran having played the event 20 times. His best performance came in 2008 when he finished as runner-up to Padraig Harrington at Royal Birkdale. But the legendary Ryder Cup star has not featured in The Open since 2022 and, now on the LIV Golf circuit, he is hoping to make it back through Open Qualifying. Poulter will be up against the likes of Lee Westwood, Adrian Meronk, Graeme Mc Dowell and Erik van Rooyen in qualifying but he’s also taking on his own flesh and blood. Luke Poulter, a highly-rated amateur at the University of Florida, is 51st in the world amateur standings and was close to making it into the US Open at Oakmont recently. Now, he’ll be hoping to beat his dad in Open Qualifying at Cinque Ports. The two prepared for their date with destiny in the bar on Monday night, joined by their caddies. Ian posted a picture of the four at dinner on social media with the caption: “Guess who is on the water and who is on the beers. ” Both father and son seemingly kept to the clear stuff ahead of their all-important 36 holes today while their caddies enjoyed something a little stronger. Poulter added: “The boys are hydrating before they loop for 36 holes tomorrow at Royal Cinque Ports. "Lets have a day tomorrow boys. ” The two Poulters had very different starts to their days on the Kent coast. Luke made a fine start to sit 4-under after eleven holes and hold a share for the lead. Ian, on the other hand, began slowly, carding 4-over through nine to be third from bottom on the leaderboard. Final Qualifying is held over a gruelling 36-holes in one day so there’s plenty of golf to play for both men. Once qualifying is done and places have been secured, the 2025 Open will be upon us in no time. The action at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland gets going on Thursday, July 17 and runs until Sunday, July 20. Xander Schauffele is the defending champion of the Claret Jug following his brilliant win at Royal Troon last summer. Masters champion Rory Mc Ilroy and world number one Scottie Scheffler will be among the star-studded field on the Dunluce Links eyeing glory later this month. Enjoy a 3-night weekend getaway with grounds admission tickets for both Saturday and Sunday of The Open 2025. Stay in comfort at the Hilton Templepatrick, with transfers included and exclusive access to the Your Golf Travel Clubhouse. All this from just £1, 270 per person – don’t miss your chance to be part of golf’s biggest event in ultimate style. Plan your dream golf trip HERE. © 2025 talk SPORT Limited
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