Graeme McDowell’s European No. 1 focus has now turned not only to who is in front on the money list but who is closing in from behind.
McDowell shook off much of the rust from last week’s disappointing mid-field finish in the BMW Masters to be a lot sharper after day one of the WGC – HSBC Champions also in Shanghai.
The former US Open champion signed off for a three under par 69 to be trailing four shots behind good friend and fellow US Open winner and Ulsterman Rory McIlroy.
Graeme McDowell not only trying to stay in sight of Henrik Stenson but now fearing Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)
McIlroy’s seven under par 65 for his two shot lead over past Irish Open winner Jamie Donaldson and Spain’s Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano is the first time he’s lead a first round of any tournament by himself since shooting a similar 65 to lead by three shots the first day of the 2011 US Open at Congressional.
But while McIlroy sets his sights again on ending a near 12-month winless drought McDowell is still intent on ending his season as Europe’s No. 1 ranked golfer.
However when the newly-married golf star trails Henrik Stenson by Euro 443,725 on the money list it is Fernandez-Castano, and currently in fourth place and Euro 193,844 behind McDowell who poses a new threat.
‘Gonzo’ went from 35th and into fourth with last week’s BMW Masters triumph and has shown already in this week’s second straight event in Shanghai he’s the player in form.
“There is big reprecussions for me to play well this week especially what Gonzo did last week,” said McDowell.
“I played him on Saturday last week and he’s the kind of guy who gets his eye in using the putter he can be a pretty dangerous player, as he is a quality iron player.
“So while Henrik still leads the Race to Dubai there is players like Gonzo behind me that I need to do my best that they don’t go past me.
“Also I am not playing Turkey next week so I have to make the most of this week before Dubai and the final event”
