That left him 10 shots off the lead held by Australian Peter O’Malley, who equalled the course record of 64 set by champion Bernhard Langer in the final round in 1997.

Of more immediate concern however, was the fact it also put the 27-year-old from Milton Keynes two shots outside the projected cut of level par.

Poulter wasted no time in rectifying the problem today though, and after starting with a par four on the 10th, his opening hole, carded birdies on the next two holes to get back to level par.

It was still asking a lot for Poulter to get back into contention, especially as he is working hard on changes to his swing under the guidance of David Leadbetter.

His swing had been good enough to secure a European Tour title in each of the last three years and 11th place in the Ryder Cup qualifying table, which saw him on standby for the Belfry last September.

But the ambitious Poulter has his sights set even higher, and after following in the footsteps of close friend Justin Rose in consulting Leadbetter, would love to match Rose’s stellar recent progress.

“I just want to play good golf more often and if I can swing it a little better than I have over the last three years then surely I can finish in the top 15 on the Order of Merit every year,” admitted Poulter, who has finished 24th for the last two years.

“If that is the case you have to win tournaments, and if that is the case then hopefully you will be playing in the Ryder Cup as well.”

Overnight leader O’Malley was among the later starters along with Londoner Gary Clark, in second place after the first round after an opening 66.