Graeme McDowell left Bay Hill declaring those parts of his game instrumental for success at Augusta were sound despite what will be a mid-field finish in the storm affected Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando.
McDowell was fortunately back home in nearby Lake Nona when a violent electrical storm struck the course and moments after tournament leader, Tiger Woods had moved three clear of his rivals with a birdie at the second.
McDowell managed to break 70 for a first occasion in the event signing for a final round 69 and a then share of 48th place.
Graeme McDowell poses with local Orlando lad Sean Casey. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
“Today was the best I’ve struck it all week and I found something in my swing, and besides I am feeling a lot better than I’ve felt the last few days,” he said.
“Overall it’s been a disappointing week, in general especially the way I played Thursday and Friday and then to take a triple bogey at 15 on Saturday put the brakes on a half decent round.
“So it was nice to play a little better today and take some momentum with me into the Tavistock Cup and then for my time off in getting ready for Augusta.”
The former US Open winner will represent Lake Nona today (MON) in the two round Tavistock at the nearby Isleworth Club however that event is now is in disarray as many of the those competing, including Woods, Keegan Bradley and Justin Rose still had not completed the Bay Hill tournament.
And it won’t be to the week prior to Augusta when McDowell will crank-up his Masters preparations and that will mostly entail spending time in a 75-yard wide corner of Lake Nona working on his short game.
“The great thing after this week that the most important parts of my game, my bunker play, my short game and my putting going into Augusta are the strengths of my game,” he said.
“So that is very pleasing and those are the parts of my in playing the Masters that I have found weaknesses and I wanted to address those, and those are in great shape and those aspects probably have never been as good as they are right now.
“The ball striking and the long game comes and goes but while I was a little off the boil this week, I have been hitting great the last three to four weeks.”
However before his 30-mintue drive home to Lake Nona, McDowell was asked if the Masters were to be played this week would he be ready or does he need the fortnight working on his game.
“I need a week for sure just to rest and get ready but my game doesn’t need much time, and it’s just that physically I need some time away,” he said.
“And I was not tempted to play Houston this week, so I will take the fortnight or so off and get to Augusta the Sunday morning before the tournament.”
