Golf-Poulter will return to French Open after all, says O'Grady

By Tony Jimenez

LOCH LOMOND, Scotland, July 9 (Reuters) - World number 16 Ian Poulter has back-tracked on his decision not to play in the French Open again, European Tour chief executive George O'Grady said on Thursday.

A furious Poulter blamed a media photographer when he ruined his victory chances by hitting his ball into a lake on the 15th hole at St Quentin last Sunday, vowing he would not return to the tournament.

"He is a very passionate competitor who gives his all," O'Grady told reporters during the first round of the Scottish Open.

"I spoke to him yesterday and conveyed to him an apology from the president of the French Golf Federation for the behaviour of the photographer ... and Ian has conveyed the French Open is definitely on his schedule."

O'Grady said the Briton acknowledged he would have acted differently if he had given himself time to calm down after the incident.

"He said he was hot-headed, that it was too soon after his round and he would not have reacted that way on Monday," added O'Grady.

"Ian was polite enough to say it was an excellent tournament, really well staged."

Poulter made a good start to his Scottish Open campaign with a two-under-par 69.

(Editing by Ed Osmond. To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)