By Matt Smith
While LIV Golfer Ian Poulter got off to a rocky start during the opening round of the 150th Open at St Andrews — he was met with a smattering of boos on the first tee before almost shaking his first tee shot out of bounds on the widest fairway in golf — it was the Ryder Cup star who was soaking up the cheers by the time he reached the ninth hole.

On his way to a satisfactory three-under 69 — he saved par on the first — the Ryder Cup hero made a bit of history by holing the longest putt in televised professional golf on the tricky par 4, with a roar from the crowd showing how he had won them over.

Take a look:

His eagle measured over 160ft, and even managed to garner a smirk from the famously uppity Englishman, who held a hand to his visor as if to illustrate how far the ball had travelled.

We will see if he is still smiling come Sunday.

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