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"Disappointed with my performance today, did not deserve to move on," said the 2010 winner on Twitter. "Congrats to Rickie Fowler."
It was the third first-round exit in four years for the former champion, having lost 2&1 to American Rickie Fowler who led from the fourth hole onwards and who will now come up against compatriot Jimmy Walker in the second round.
Walker, who has already won three times this season, was the first to make it through the first round after easing to a 5&4 win over South African Branden Grace.
But while we won't be seeing Poulter in his golf clothing again this tournament, Graeme McDowell and Ryder Cup team-mates Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose and Peter Hanson were all more convincing as they pushed through to the last 32 at Dove Mountain.
McIlroy had a comfortable 3&2 win over Boo Weekley and now faces a last-32 clash with Harris English after he beat former world number one Lee Westwood 5&3.
But another former number one, Luke Donald, also made an early exit as he was soundly beaten 5&4 by Matteo Manassero.
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