Graeme McDowell returns home to Orlando and his new wife proud of his achievement in finishing third in the WGC – HSBC Champions event in Shanghai.
McDowell went into the final round four shots behind Dustin Johnson and after muscling his way to the lead after just seven holes the American brilliantly shut the door shut on both McDowell and Ian Poulter when he holed a chip shot for an eagle ‘two’ at the par four 16th hole on route to a six under par 66 that was the same score as Poulter’s and McDowell.
It was Johnson’s eighth career victory and his second this year after capturing the season-opening Hyundai Tournament of Champions. However with the now restructured PGA Tour Johnson’s win is his first on the 2014 PGA Tour schedule.
Dustin Johnson and Graeme McDowell walk off the 3rd tee during Sunday’s Final Round of the 2013 WGC-HSBC Champions. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)
Johnson’s win ensures that American-born players have now captured all four WGC titles this year.
And while Johnson was celebrating his $US 1.4m victory windfall McDowell was heading to Pudong Airport for a flight via Los Angeles to Orlando pleased with his efforts in the China financial capital.
“It was a great final round playing alongside Poults and Dustin and the only thing I can pick a hole in was that I was just not sharp enough on the greens because with greens this good, I should have putting a lot better than I did,” he said.
“But tee-to-green it’s probably the best I’ve played since Hilton Head and I’m just happy to have my golf swing back under control.
“It’s been a frustrating summer not swinging the club the way I want to swing it.
“But then Dustin Johnson was going to be hard to catch today but then it was a lot of fun out there for much of the time and then he just slammed the door shut with a great second shot into 15 and to chip-in in 16 is just world class, and then to birdie 17 it’s hats off to him.
“I had fun and I enjoyed it. I knew it was going to be tough because this golf course offers up plenty of birdie opportunities, and with birdie chances really on every hole.”
McDowell’s effort has seen him cut Henrik Stenson’s Race to Dubai lead from Euro 443, 725 to Euro 145,866 and with the Swede posting a 65 for a second Sunday running and finish in a tie for 31st place.
