Grame McDowell was delighted to be playing all four rounds despite falling to two over par after three holes but then regrouping to complete his closing 11 holes in four under par in a round of 70 for a one under par tally.

“This is the ultimate risk-reward golf course and you keep it out of the water for the four days and you’ve got a great shot at winning this golf tournament,” he said.

“It keeps you on edge for all 18 holes and if you miss greens in the wrong place it just makes you look silly.

Graeme McDowell with a new driver and on his way to hitting all but two fairways on day two of the Players. (Photo – Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)

“My driving accuracy is not where it needs to be at the moment but with a new driver in the bag this week, I am still giving away one of my strengths.

“But then this new driver I have to say was behaving itself and I would agree with most players that anyone who makes the cut still is in with a great place.

“And while I may have taken my eye off the ball technically this year, I feel like I am re-energised this week, and while this game does feel a bit hard that is the good thing about golf.

“I am going through a hard phase but that what makes you a bigger and stronger player.”

A check of the PGA Tour stats reveals McDowell hit 12 of 14 fairways with the new driver and a lot better than a day earlier when he managed nine of 14.

Padraig Harrington on day two of the Players Championship. (Photo – Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)

McDowell played for a second straight day in the company of fellow Major Champion Padraig Harrington who also has made the cut with scores of 70 and 73.

However is was also an indifferent start for the double Honda Classic winner who three-putted the first from 40-feet for a double bogey and dropped a shot at the fifth, but like McDowell he played he back nine a little better with birdies at 11 and 16.

But again Harrington complained of a poor day on the greens taking 31 putts compared to 33 a day earlier.

“I had another bad day on the greens and I’m going to head to the practice green before I head back to the hotel,” he said.

“I felt I played a lot better than I scored but when you’re not holding putts it’s tough.”

But while Ireland’s three Major winners were assured of moving on to the weekend rounds Shane Lowry was staring at a return trip home with a three over par tally.