Poulter sinks birdie to force playoff with Hossler in Houston

Apr 1, 2018; Humble, TX, USA; Ian Poulter of England walks off of the second hole during final round of the Houston Open golf tournament at Golf Club of Houston - The Tournament Course. Mandatory Credit: John Glaser-USA TODAY Sports

(Reuters) - Ian Poulter sank a 20-foot birdie putt at the final hole to tie Beau Hossler and send the Houston Open to a sudden-death playoff on Sunday.

The Englishman's clutch effort came moments after American Hossler had grazed the hole with his own birdie attempt at Golf Club of Houston.

Poulter and Hossler shot 67 to finish regulation at 19-under 269, three shots ahead of Jordan Spieth and Emiliano Grillo.

Apr 1, 2018; Humble, TX, USA; Ian Poulter of England plays his shot from the second tee during final round of the Houston Open golf tournament at Golf Club of Houston - The Tournament Course. Mandatory Credit: John Glaser-USA TODAY Sports

The winner of the playoff will earn the final spot in next week's U.S. Masters.

Apr 1, 2018; Humble, TX, USA; Ian Poulter of England arrives at the second tee during final round of the Houston Open golf tournament at Golf Club of Houston - The Tournament Course. Mandatory Credit: John Glaser-USA TODAY Sports

(Reporting by Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina; Editing by Gene Cherry)