Graeme McDowell confessed his high hopes of adding a Masters to his U.S. Open success have fallen flat.
McDowell will head to the final round at two over par and 11 strokes behind 2010 Ryder Cup winning team mate, Peter Hanson of Sweden, with scores of 75, 72 and a third day 71.
Day three of McDowell’s fifth Masters began well enough with birdies at the second and third holes but he gave those shots back with bogeys at the par four 5th and 7th holes.
McDowell then dropped a further shot at the par five 13th when staring at an eagle putt before ending in postive manner with birdies at 15 and the last.
“I was playing fine and had a three iron into 13 and though I hit a decent shot but missed carrying by two inches, otherwise I would have been 30ft for eagle but I made six,” he said.
“That’s how this course is sometimes.
Graeme McDowell in relaxed mood last week in Houston but it's fallen flat in Augusta. (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)
“It was the same again on 14 as I drilled a 5-iron right of the pin and if it goes another three or four feet I have a ten footer for birdie. It rolls down the hill 45 feet away and I three putt. It’s just been one of those weeks. I’ve not played that badly.
“I’ve probably driven it as well as I ever have around here. My iron play hasn’t been sharp enough and certainly not my short game.
“At the third hole I had 80 yards with a lob wedge and spun it back down the hill perfectly into the hole. At that point I’m seven behind with great conditions and perfect greens.
“If I can just make four more birdies I’m two or three under for the tournament and who knows.
“It’s difficult because at that point you feel like you have lost your ability to contend on Sunday which is the goal at the majors, to have a chance.
“There is nothing worse than waking up on Sunday knowing that whatever you do it is not going to be good enough.
“I will always keep trying my hardest until the very end and tomorrow will be no different. You get in certain situations and learn from those shots. You certainly learn something in every round around here.
“So overall I feel a bit flat right now.
“I had high hopes and expectations for this week and it hasn’t panned out.”
