Graeme McDowell saves face with the help of his caddie and the pleasant weather
Graeme McDowell believes favourable weather conditions and the support of his caddie kept him in contention during the first round of the Open Championship, despite a poor start to the day.
The Northern Irishman teed off from the front and double bogeyed the opening hole, which unsettled him a bit. He stood near the flag for half a minute, thinking “what the h**l just happened?”
On the following hole, McDowell managed to cup a difficult par-putt, which settled the nerves for him a bit. However, after a gap of three green, the veteran once again, landed into trouble. With two birdies sandwiched between the
two bogeys, the player wrapped the first half with a score of 2-over-par 37.
However, on his way to the back nine, the wind nearly died down and McDowell went for a long discussion with his caddie Ken Comboy, who comforted him and reignited his lost confidence.
According to McDowell, “I've got to thank him for keeping me in the moment because my head was spinning after a few holes. That's what this course and what major championships can do to you. Maybe four or five years ago, I wouldn't
have been able to turn that round.”
As a result of the timely support and pleasant weather conditions, McDowell managed to keep his scorecard free from any more mistakes. Instead, he picked two sets of twin birdies on 12th, 13th, 17th
and 18th hole. The 2010 US Open winner wrapped the first round of the major with a score of two-under-par.
The player finished tied for the fifth spot and if conditions remain pleasant in the coming rounds, there is a possibility that the Northern Irishman will be the one lifting the Claret Jug.
When asked what was coming ahead, the veteran replied, “You've just got to count yourself lucky when it happens because luck evens itself out over a year. It really is about jockeying for position the next couple of days.”
The 31-year-old will tee off in the early morning on Friday. Will he keep his head calm and focused or will he carve his own grave at the St. George's, that we'll have to wait and see.
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