Hope for Valderrama event?
Graeme McDowell lifted the title at Valderrama in 2010.While the European Tour announced last week that next month’s Andalucia Masters has been cancelled, reports from Spain indicate that talks are still ongoing between Wentworth and the Junta de Andalucia with a view to saving the event.
Sergio wins, Shane shines, G-Mac slumps
Sergio Garcia celebrates his win in the Andalucía Masters. Picture Denise Cleary www.golffile.ieTwelve months ago Graeme McDowell won the Andalucia Masters to break into the world’s top 10. Sergio Garcia was 68th and playing in just his second event following a 10-week break from the game that was interrupted only by his assistant’s role in the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor, where reigning US Open champion McDowell was the hero of the hour.
Fast forward a year and Garcia is back with a bang - a winner for the second week on the bounce following a one-shot victory over Miguel Angel Jimenez in a event where Clara’s Shane Lowry emerged from a mini slump to equal his best performance of the season by finishing fourth.
If this was one of the greatest weekends of Garcia’s career, it was McDowell’s worst. Literally.
G-Mac's unwanted 80's revival
Graeme McDowell continued his love-hate relationship with Valderrama on Saturday. Picture Fran Caffrey www.golffile.ie Graeme McDowell is not the kind of guy to wish his life away. But after shooting in the 80’s for the third time in what has been a disappointing follow up to his incredible 2010 season, he could be forgiven for looking ahead to his Christmas holidays.
The world No 15 failed to post a birdie in a 10-over par 81 in the third round of the Andalucía Masters at Valderrama, where he is defending champion.
“I love how special a place it is, but hate how tough it can be,” McDowell wrote on his blog at the start of the week. “When the wind is up, well, good luck.”
Awaiting Lawrie delivery at Valderrama
Peter Lawrie broke par on the first day of the Andalucia Masters at Valderrama. Picture Fran Caffrey www.golffile.ie Peter Lawrie often sought the counsel of Des Smyth when he was battling to establish himself as a tour player. Now, eight years after winning the European Tour’s Rookie of the Year award, the Dubliner needs to start winning regualry if he is to follow in the Laytown legend’s footsteps and join the list of all-time great Irish players.
"Horizon has the credentials to manage a Rory McIlroy" - McDowell
If you can’t beat ‘em. Graeme McDowell is congratuated by Rory McIlroy for his match play win at Finca Cortesin in May. Photo Eoin Clarke/Golffile 2011Graeme McDowell insists that he did not give Rory McIlroy the “hard sell” and actively recruit him for the Horizon Sports Management stable.
As the 2010 US Open champion pointed out at Valderrama on Wednesday: “I would resent any suggestion of enticement.”