Ian Poulter picks the shot he hit at The Masters which he regrets the most in his entire career

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Almost all professional golfers have hit shots or made decisions that they look back on and regret.

Phil Mickelson’s final hole capitulation at the 2006 US Open is an iconic example of a player crumbling under pressure. There’s no doubt the six-time major winner would play Winged Foot’s 18th differently if he found himself in a similar position.

Rory McIlroy’s decision-making at the 2024 US Open probably saw the Northern Irishman leave Pinehurst with a tinge of regret. Had McIlroy taken three-wood off the 18th tee, there’s every chance he would’ve landed his first major in ten years.

During the 2019 Masters Tournament at Augusta National, several players made errors during the final round, notably on the par-three 12th hole.

Ian Poulter names one shot that he would take back

Augusta’s iconic par-three nestled in the centre of Amen Corner has proven to be a daunting challenge, particularly during the final round of the year’s first major. And in 2019, the 12th proved to be a turning point as Tiger Woods sealed major number 15.

With the wind swirling, distance control was extremely challenging, and Englishman Ian Poulter was one of many players whose ball found the bottom of Rae’s Creek.

Poulter recently claimed that his tee shot on the 12th hole is the one shot he wishes he could have back more than any other.

“2019 Masters, number 12,” Poulter said when asked about the shot he regrets most (Lucas Stewart YouTube channel).

“Two off the lead after just bogeying 11. Tiger was in the group behind. He went on to win. I think four of the six or even five of the six guys hit it in the water. Tony Finau, Brooks Koepka. When I hit it, I would never have wanted it back. The ball looked good, I struck it good. The wind swirls.”

• READ MORE: What Xander Schauffele told his caddy on the last hole at Augusta when Tiger Woods won the Masters in 2019 and he was runner-up

2019 Masters: Which players found the water at the 12th

As mentioned, it wasn’t just Poulter who found the water on Sunday. Brooks Koepka, who looked destined to charge to the top of the leaderboard, found the water and would make a double bogey.

Then, Woods’ final group partners, Francesco Molinari and Tony Finau, also ran into trouble.

Both players found Rae’s Creek and recorded double bogeys. The soon-to-be Masters champ showed the rest of the field how to do it.

Steering clear of the flag, Woods took the spin off his tee shot, found the centre of the green and made par. Despite Woods’ three on the 12th looking insignificant on his scorecard, it was arguably the moment which turned the 2019 Masters in his favour.

Ian Poulter’s best shot

During his recent YouTube appearance, Poulter reflected on some more positive moments in his career and revealed which shot he believes is the best he has ever hit.

“Ryder Cup Paris, 18th hole, soft cut seven-iron to beat DJ in the singles, that was a pretty nice shot,” he said.

Of course, Poulter is one of Europe’s all-time great Ryder Cup players and spearheaded the team’s remarkable comeback at Medinah in 2012.

“I think that’s one that will always stay with me,” Poulter said on Europe’s victory 13 years ago.

“We had to try and get something out of that match (Saturday evening); otherwise, it was going to be really ugly. For me, it was coming down the stretch, birdie on birdie on birdie. At the time it wasn’t about thinking about the birdies you’re making but it was more play each hole need to make birdie on each hole coming in.

“It didn’t matter if it was Rory or I doing it. Ironically it comes down to the putt on the last green it was getting a bit dusky and later in the day. Roll in a 15-footer on the last to make it 10-6 after Dufner just nudged his in which they had the right to do to put the pressure back on us. Knocking that putt in to win that match gave us a chance. To have it 10-6 gave us a glimmer of hope.”