Graeme McDowell and Rickie Fowler are grouped together for the opening two rounds of the Barclays Championship with one thing in common – they each want a Ryder Cup ‘wildcard’ pick.
McDowell did his hopes of getting Darren Clarke’s nod next Tuesday no harm after a hard-fought one over par 72 in hot and humid conditions on the Bethpage Park Black course on New York’s Long Island.
McDowell, who ended qualifying nine places outside of a fifth straight European Team cap, saved the best to near the end of his round holing a 20-foot birdie putt and among three birdies but also four bogeys.
“It was a good round of golf considering the way I drove the ball and let’s just say the new driver I put in the bag last week didn’t behave itself,” he said.
Graeme McDowell hands the walking scorer and autographed ball after his round of 72. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
“I hit a total of six fairways out there which is not really how you attack Bethpage Black, so it was one of those rounds that this year have been getting away from me where I have been turning that into four and five over.
“So it was nice to hang in there and grind out a 72.
“My chipping and putting is right where I want it to be and that was the scenario last week in the Wyndham, so all I need to do is get this new driver straightened out.
“So while it was very disappointing off the tee today, I’ve very happy fairway to green and on the greens.”
Scotland’s Martin Laird and American Patrick Reed share the clubhouse lead with five under 66s while Rickie Fowler is in a group at four under par.
While Reed is assured of being among the top-eight in qualifying automatically this Sunday night for a second USA Ryder Cup cap, Fowler is desperate to do enough to earn one of Davis Love 111 Hazeltine ‘wildcard’ picks.
Rickie Fowler says he’s desperate to be a member of Davis Love 111s USA Ryder Cup team.
Fowler is currently 12th on the USA Team points table and like McDowell is going to have to rely on a Hazeltine ‘wildcard’ pick.
Team captain, Davis Lovee 111 will announce three of his four picks on Sunday 11th September, and straight after the BMW Championship.
“G Mac and I both talked today about each needing a pick as he knows where I stand and I know how much he wants to play in a Ryder Cup,” said Fowler.
“I know he would love to be there.
“He didn’t get off to the start he wanted today as he didn’t drive it particularly well, as he’s usually a good driver of the ball, so I would assume it will be a complete turnaround tomorrow.
“I love playing with G Mac, he’s a lot of fun and it would be nice if both of us made it to Hazeltine.”
Rory McIlroy was out in the afternoon half of the draw and with McIlroy now working with putting expert, Phil Kenyon who works with Olympic gold medal winner, Justin Rose and Open Champion, Henrik Stenson.
