High winds put big names in the rough

IAN POULTER, first and second on his last two starts, was among those who suffered worst on the toughest day of the European tour season so far.

Twelve days after a course record-equalling 63 in the British Masters at the Forest of Arden Poulter had an 11 over par 83 in the opening round of the Diageo Championship at windswept Gleneagles.

"I just had to laugh," said the 27-year-old from Milton Keynes. "Obviously the last two weeks have helped (he earned over £350,000), but I didn't let it get to me and I can't say I'm overly fussed.