Graeme McDowell has refused to throw in the Race to Dubai white towel insisting ‘I’m still alive and kicking’ despite trailing eight shots behind race leader Henrik Stenson.
Just when Stenson looked like facing a hurdle on day three of the final event he peeled off three birdies from the 14th in a round and pulled off a brilliant birdie at 18 in a round of 67 to lead by a shot on 17-under par.
McDowell will commence the final round nine shots adrift of Stenson and playing the final day in the company of Thailand’s Kiradeck Aphibarnrat.
Graeme McDowell may be nine adrift of Henrik Stenson but there’s no talk of running up any white flag. (Photo – Denise Cleary/www.golffile.ie)
McDowell headed into the season-ending DP World Tour Championship lying in third place on the Race to Dubai and right from the outset the former US Open champion has fought hard to keep in sight of Stenson.
The recently-married Northern Irishman started with a sluggish first round 72 and slowly he’s picked up the pace with a subsequent pair of 68s.
And while it’s Stenson very much with the bit between his teeth, McDowell is just as driven considering Justin Rose was seven shots behind heading into the final round a year ago and finished second with a 62.
“There is still a pulse there, barely but I am going to need something pretty special tomorrow,” said McDowell.
“Henrik is still in control of his own destiny right now and playing from what I hear, incredible golf so hats off to him the way he’s come here – the way he went to Turkey last week and performed; and even going back to the weekend at the HSBC Champions, so you can’t argue with that.
“But then I’ve hung tough. I’m still alive and kicking and looking forward to tomorrow.
“I haven’t played my best golf but the scoring’s great, and I’m just kind of on the fringe of being in the tournament and just not quite there.
“But no disappointment as if it doesn’t happen tomorrow, I’m looking forward to the World Cup in Australia next week.
“Then if it doesn’t happen in the World Cup, I’m looking forward to the end of the season and coming back out next year, because I feel like I’ve made some big steps forward the last couple of months and my game is in good shape.”
