The Grove, Watford, England …
Graeme McDowell is out to put a dampener on ‘Beef Mania’ after posting a second straight 68 to move within five shots of the lead after two rounds of the British Masters at The Grove.
McDowell birdied his closing two holes in what he hopes can be a first British soil success in six years since capturing the 2010 Wales Open.
However McDowell said the key to his round had been holing a birdie putt at his eighth hole that led to birdies at his 10th and 11th holes.
“I was getting a little frustrated on the middle section of my front nine but then to birdie my eighth gave me the momentum to then make the turn and birdie the first two holes of my back nine,” he said.
G Mac proudly of his opening two British Masters rounds.
“Then to birdie the last two keeps me in touch and it will ensure lunch tastes that much nicer.
“Overall, I really feel as if I’ve turned the corner in the last three or four months. A big part of the summer for me was having our second baby and having my family life start to stabilise.”
England’s Richard Bland also birdied his closing two holes in a score of 64 to move one shot clear of the field at 11-under par.
However all interest will be on fellow Brit Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston.
Graeme McDowell one step away from first British soil success since 2010 Wales Open. (Photo – www.europeantour.com)
Johnston, 27 was virtually little-known before capturing April’s Spanish Open but since then he’s gained enormous noteitry among fans of all ages, and with calls of ‘Beef, Beef, Beef’ wherever he goes.
His fan base also has extended to the States as was evident in contesting this year’s U.S. Open, WGC – Bridgestone Invitational and the PGA Championship.
And it’s been much the same hysteria this week and with Johnson delivering a clear message to his fans as he now targets a second Tour victory.
“Make some noise and what I want to hear is ‘Beef!’”, he said.
‘Beef’ keeps the London media entertained
“I’m loving it; the fans have been amazing. So just keep it up because I’m loving it.”
Among the items Johnston said he’s been asked to sign was a man’s forehead and a youngster’s apple.
“Some guy came up to me on Thursday night and asked me to sign his forehead so I put a big Beef across his forehead and took a picture. It was with a Sharpie (permanent felt pen), as well so I’m hoping it’s still on his head.
“And this young fellow asked me to sign his apple he was carrying. I said I couldn’t sign his apple as he had to eat it but he insisted.”
Paul McGinley ensured himself a first Tour cheque since May’s Irish Open with rounds of 70 and a 67 to be inside the top-20 at five under par.
“It was a dapper showing out there today and nice to get some weekend work,” he said.
“I played really well on Thursday and while I didn’t play as well today, I scored better so it’s been two good days and I’ve really enjoyed them.”
Shane Lowry is a shot further back adding a 70 to his opening 68 to be at five under par.
