McDowell happy to be in the mix
A superb second-round 66 has left Graeme McDowell right in the hunt heading into the weekend at the Irish Open.
Much like Rory McIlroy, McDowell has often failed to impress at his national championship, but carded six birdies and a solitary bogey to lie just two shots off the pace at Fota Island.
“There’s always a first time for everything,” joked McDowell. “Eight under is a nice total and although I don’t expect it to be leading at the end of the day it doesn’t have to. I am just excited to be in contention.”
McDowell admitted he was feeling fatigued in Thursday’s first round after the US Open last week, with some of his tee shots coming up more than 50 yards short of the green.
“I was a little sharper this morning, legs felt fresher,” he added. “I missed two fairways, my iron play was better and I putted well.
“The Irish Open brings its own pressure, but it’s the proverbial walk in the park compared to last week, which bordered on the unenjoyable. I’m more relaxed, trying to free myself up and enjoy my golf.”
Latest
-
European TourCollin Morikawa wins Race to Dubai as Rory McIlroy’s frustrations boil over
The Northern Irishman appeared to rip his shirt open in the recording area behind the 18th green.
-
NewsTiger Woods shares footage of him hitting balls as rehab continues
Woods was injured in a car accident in February.
-
-
European TourRory McIlroy takes one-shot lead into final round in Dubai after shooting a 67
England’s Sam Horsfield is just a shot off the lead, one ahead of Scot Robert MacIntyre.
-
European TourDouble bogey on final hole sees Rory McIlroy slip shot off the pace in Dubai
The round one leader is a shot behind Ryder Cup team-mate Shane Lowry, England’s Sam Horsfield and American John Catlin.
-
European TourI’m on the right path – Rory McIlroy excited about road to next majors challenge
McIlroy is now a combined 148 under par in the £6.6million season-ending DP World Tour Championship.
-
European TourOpen champion Collin Morikawa determined to take chances in Race to Dubai bid
Morikawa had the chance to top the Order of Merit by winning last year’s DP World Tour Championship.
-
European TourRory McIlroy unlikely to change schedule despite new-look European Tour
The European Tour will be known as the DP World Tour from the 2022 season but Florida-based McIlroy will continue to focus on the PGA Tour.
-
European TourPunter’s pointers at the DP World Tour Championship: Course and desert specialists to the fore
It’s the final week of the 2021 European Tour season and the best 50 players of the season are convening at Jumeirah’s Earth Course.
-
European TourJB Hansen wins AVIV Dubai Championship to claim second European Tour title
The Dane finished a shot clear of Italy’s Francesco Laporta and Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger.