When Ian Poulter begins his tour at the British Open, he will play at St Andrews (Picture: Getty)

Ian Poulter claimed he couldn’t hear the boos on the first tee of the 150 Open.

Ryder Cup veterans argued that the icy reception he received did not affect his opening series.

Paulter was the first of 24 players to sign on to the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf series, launched Thursday to boos from some onlookers.

On his way to 69, Paulter followed up with an incredible first par eagle putt from 150 feet to the ninth green.

“I’ve never heard of it,” Paulter said when asked about the booing. “To be honest, I thought the first title was a great reception.

“All I heard was applause.

I thought there were thousands (audience) on the tee. So obviously they drowned one.

Ian Poulter launched an open campaign by putting in a tee shot on the first hole

Ian Poulter launched his open campaign with a tee shot on the first hole (Picture: Getty)

The actions at St Andrews took place within 24 hours of R&A chief executive Martins Lumbars declaring that banning rebels from LIV Golf at next year’s opening was “not on the agenda” .

Slumbers said in a surprisingly strong statement before taking questions at a traditional news conference that the Saudi-backed separatist withdrawal was “entirely money-driven” rather than “the best long-term interests of the game.”

“He didn’t look at me on purpose,” Paulter said when asked about his reaction. So I don’t want to know. You can tell me, I won’t listen. I’m here to play golf.

“This may be my last start at St Andrews, so regardless of the question, I’m trying to make the most of it.

“I stay on the road. I don’t read social media. I just want to play golf, right? I can just do my job.

Listening to a lot of nonsense can distract you. I’m not good at kicking back and playing golf, so I’m glad I got away this week. “

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