Graeme McDowell is one round away from his best finish in either of the two Dubai events on the European Tour.
Despite posting a third round level par 72 the former US Open champion, and competing in his very first event of 2015, heads into the final round enjoying an eight-way share of eighth place on 12-under par.
It leaves him trailing eight shots behind fellow Ulsterman and US Open champion, Rory McIlroy.
McIlroy muscled his way to a four shot lead with a six-under par 66 and he’s now just one round shy of winning the Dubai Desert Classic for a second time, and also eclipsing the events 72-hole record of 22-under par.
Graeme McDowell looking to secure his best ever finish in either of the Tour’s two Dubai events. (Photo – Stuart Adams/www.golffile.ie)
McDowell’s round was very similar to McIlroy’s in that he made his score over his opening six holes to be three under par however that would be McDowell’s only birdies as he dropped shots at seven, nine and the 12th holes, and then ended with six straight pars.
“I did the hard part to be three under par through six holes but then I didn’t expecting the birdie on six to be the last birdie of my round,” he said.
“However I then put the day down to some weak iron play and that was the long and the short of my day, as my iron play wasn’t up to scratch.
“So it was just a little bit of rust and a new back swing and an old down swing, if you like, as I have been working on some things on my back swing as I’ve got the club a lot more neutral to open than I usually have.
“So I am not squaring the club up well and as a result losing a lot of shots to the right but then I had my chances coming in as I missed a short one on 13, after three-putting 12, but then also missed a short one on 17.
“All in all, it was it and back to the drawing board this evening.”
McDowell’s best place finish at the start of the year in the Dubai was in his last appearance in 2010 when he shared 20th place. Prior to then McDowell has results of T24th (2009), T24th (2008), T44th (2007) and he missed the cut in 2004 and 2003.
In the season-ending DP World Tour Championship McDowell’s results are even poorer, and on a Jumeriah Estates course that has never been his favourite, and with his best result in the past six years being 11th in 2011.
“I am standing here still have a good first week back after a good Christmas break, so looking forward to the challenge tomorrow and hopefully my best finish in either event here in Dubai,” he said.
And it no surprise to McDowell seeing the name – McIlroy – atop of the leader board.
“I said at the start of the week this golf course is about total driving and Rory’s the best total driver in the world,” said McDowell.
“That’s stat was a good call in hindsight but Rory’s the man to catch tomorrow.
“But then I am sure there is a low one in my bag.”
