McDowell happy with opening round

Graeme McDowell was happy after a return to form during the first round of WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Akron on Thursday.
The Northern Irishman shot an opening 66 with American Jim Furyk, to be one shot behind New Zealand’s Danny Lee.
Former U.S. Open champion, McDowell, has struggled with form only managing one top-10 finish all year.
In a chat with Sky Sports 4, McDowell said he was happy with the return to form and hoped that he can keep up the momentum.
“When you are playing against some of the best fields in the world and you can post two or three rounds in the 60s and feel you are back competing at the top level, the confidence should come back to me quickly,” McDowell told Sky Sports 4.
“One 66 is not going to do it, I’m going to need a few. I know what to do when I do get on the leader boards and it’s just a case of continuing to do what I am doing.
“I am just excited to post a good early round and get out tomorrow and get back at it,” he added.
Justin Rose, who is sitting on 67 with Rickie Fowler, said that he was very happy with his opening found and felt like he could have birdied all the holes.
“I saw the course was not yielding low scores and then I got out of the gates and felt like I could birdie every hole, but all in all I think 67 is a great start on this course and gets me into the tournament nicely,” Rose said.
Masters and US Open champion Jordan Spieth, who will replace McIlroy as world number one if he wins the event, finished on level par alongside Open champion Zach Johnson.
Latest
-
News
Padraig Harrington expecting ‘serious party’ if Ryder Cup played with crowds
Harrington accepts playing with no crowds would be a better option than another postponement.
-
News
Ryder Cup qualification ‘one of the biggest goals’ of 2021 for Sergio Garcia
The Spaniard is the top points scorer in the competition’s history.
-
News
‘My best is ahead of me’ – Justin Rose motivated by winning majors, not rankings
The Englishman endured a first winless season since 2009 in 2020 and starts this week’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic ranked 38th in the world.
-
News
Justin Rose concerned about his chances of defending his Olympic title
Rose won gold in Rio in 2016 but the former world number one is currently outside the qualifying places.
-
News
Rory McIlroy on latest near-miss in Abu Dhabi: ‘I don’t feel like I played great’
McIlroy avoids mentioning final-round blues but admits he needs to get more consistent.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton eyes Ryder Cup spot after winning Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
Hatton carded a closing 66 to finish 18 under par.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship as Rory McIlroy misses out
Australia’s Jason Scrivener recorded an eagle and five birdies in a back nine of 29 to claim second place.
-
News
Rory McIlroy leads the way in Abu Dhabi as he eyes overdue victory
McIlroy will have to keep his Ryder Cup team-mates at bay if he is to claim the trophy.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton dominant as Rory McIlroy falters in Abu Dhabi
Hatton led by five shots at the end of a second weather-affected day.
-
News
Phil Mickelson on Tiger’s latest surgery: ‘I feel bad because golf should be a game of a lifetime’
Mickelson admitted he was saddened by the news of Woods’ latest back surgery.