GRAEME McDOWELL did his Ryder Cup chances the power of good by capturing his fifth European Tour title at the Wales Open in Celtic Manor, where he and home favourite Rhys Davies gave the fans plenty to cheer about in the Welsh valleys.
McDowell described his flawless 63 at the 2010 Ryder Cup venue as the “best closing round of his career” and in many ways it needed to be for Davies was draining putts for fun all afternoon.
The 30-year-old began the final round four shots off Marcel Siem’s overnight lead before the German imploded with a quadruple bogey seven at the short third when he found water twice.
In contrast to Siem, McDowell fired out of the blocks and recorded eight birdies in his opening 11 holes before a run of seven pars to finish gave him a 15-under-par 269 aggregate to win by three from Davies, who closed with a spellbinding course record 62.
“I’m absolutely ecstatic, that first 11 holes was dream golf. It’s the best final round I’ve ever played to win a tournament,” beamed McDowell after his round. “I’ve been playing like this for a long time but just haven’t been able to put it all together. The first 11 holes on Saturday I also played magnificent and then came out this morning (Sunday) and did exactly the same.”
Davies became McDowell’s primary threat as he rolled in one putt after another with the blade to work the partisan crowds into a frenzy. Six birdies, two eagles, a solitary dropped shot at the 16th and the rest pars made up the record round.
McDowell knew a move from Davies was happening but stuck to his task. “I kept my head down, the first time I looked at a leaderboard was at 14 and saw that I was three ahead. I realised Rhys was going well and making a bit of a run for I heard plenty of Welsh cheers.”
“I just tried to keep the foot down and it’s a really tough finish. It’s an amazing game, at one point on Friday I thought I was going to miss the cut. It’s such a fine line and sometimes you just have to believe in yourself and stay patient.
“I’m over the moon; it’s great to win again because it’s so hard to do, there are so many top players out here these days,” added McDowell, who picked up the winner’s cheque for €350,940.
Despite the considerable payout it still wasn’t enough to move the Portrush pro into an automatic Ryder Cup spot – he’s 10th on the European points list – but he surely can start dreaming of a return to the Newport venue as part of Colin Montgomerie’s European team.
“I knew I had to win at least once this summer to have any chance of making the team. That’s the first one in the bag and a win round this venue will certainly stand me in good stead come September,” added McDowell, who bridged the gap to his last win at the 2008 Scottish Open.
“I feel like I’m in the form of my life right now. This is a really good start to a great summer, hopefully.”
There must be something in the northern water for the manner of McDowell’s win was reminiscent of how Rory McIlroy closed out last month’s Quail Hollow Championship with a spectacular closing 62. Monty will surely view the Irish pair as natural partners come October.
For several years McDowell lived less than 10 minutes down the road from the Ryder Cup venue and often used the place to practice. Yesterday he delivered the goods when it mattered to end the week lord of the Celtic Manor.
EUROPEAN RYDER CUP STANDINGS
After Wales Open, but before finish of Memorial Tournament
WORLD POINTS LIST
1 Lee WESTWOOD (Eng)307.02
2 Rory McILROY (N Ire)214.10
3 Ian POULTER (Eng)204.20
4 Luke DONALD (Eng)180.54
5 Pádraig Harrington (Ire)163.26
6 Martin Kaymer (ger)137.17
7 Edoardo Molinari (Ita)133.04
8 Francesco Molinari (Ita)123.03
9 Paul Casey (Eng)115.56
10 Alvaro Quiros (Spa)111.28
EUROPEAN POINTS LIST
1 Lee Westwood (Eng)2,726,026
2 Ian Poulter (Eng)2,137,556
3 Rory McIlroy (NIre)1,461,089
4 Ross McGOWAN (Eng)1,315,249
5 Martin KAYMER (Ger)1,161,639
6 Luke Donald (Eng)1,084,569
7 Simon DYSON (Eng)1,078,010
8 Alvaro QUIROS (Eng)1,056,669
9 Francesco MOLINARI (Ita)1,046,043
10 Graeme McDowell (N Ire) 1,011,633
Top four from World list plus next five from European list and three captain’s picks
