Graeme McDowell is set to end his season on a winning note and also end a two-year winless drought in the event he last won – the Chevron Challenge
McDowell continues to the European Ryder Cup feel good factor in snatching four third round birdies in a score of 68 to lead by two strokes on 13-under par in the 18-player field hosted by World No. 3 Tiger Woods.
American Keegan Bradley carded an equal best round on day three of a 67 to be in second place on 11-under par and three clear of the tournament host Woods (69) and grossly under-rated compatriot Bo Van Pelt (70) sharing third spot on eight under par.
Graeme McDowell just one round away from a $1.2m engagement gilf and ending a two-year winless drought (Photo – www.golffile.ie)
G Mac had capped his superb 2010 US Open winning season in defeating Woods to win the event two years ago and now he’s just 18 holes away from winning the event for a second occasion.
Maybe it’s something to do with playing golf in California.
“There’s no doubt there’s something in the Californian air for me,” he said.
“Even Olympic this year to a certain extent, Pebble, three times I’ve played here have been very kind to me. I need to probably add a little bit more West Coast Swing into my schedule.
“Somehow I probably need to start looking at playing out here, Torrey Pines, AT&T. It’s definitely going to have to factor into my schedule going forward. I know I’m not going to do it next year, but I may look to the following year playing a little bit more West Coast.
“It’s definitely a good hunting ground for me. We’ll have to extend the concept over this part of the world. Probably got to make sure the one in Lake Nona works first. “
Cheering McDowell on to the $US 1.2m ‘engagement present’ first prize is his financee, Kristin Stape.
And a McDowell victory would continue the superb run of achievements post Europe’s stunning success at the Ryder Cup. Since the ‘Miracle at Medinah’ the golf world has seen Sweden’s Peter Hanson capture the inaugural BMW Masters, Ian Poulter win the WGC – HSBC Champions and Rory McIlroy end his fifth full season on Tour wrapping up the DP World Tour Championship.
Also while McDowell looks to succeed in the States another colleague in Martin Kaymer leads by one heading to the final day of the Nedbank Golf Challenge.
Kaymer headed into the last day of the 12-man elite event leading by one but will be sure to face stiff opposition from fellow Major winner, Louis Oosthuizen.
