McDowell out of Open qualifier after airline loses clubs
NORTHERN Ireland’s Graeme McDowell has pulled out of the Open Championship qualifying at St Anne’s in England after his clubs were lost following a flight from France.
McDowell had been scheduled to compete in today’s qualifier, with 72 players set to contest the three available spots. But the 2010 US Open champion’s clubs went missing after he flew to Manchester following his tied 37th-placed finish at the French Open on Sunday.
“Need assistance from @airfrance. Flew into Manchester last night from CDG (Charles de Gaulle airport) and my golf clubs are untraceable,” McDowell said on Twitter.
“I have a 36 qualifier tomorrow for @TheOpen and really need my bag. Thanks in advance. #help.”
McDowell (38) later provided an update, saying: “Clubs still not on way from Paris. Established that they are in the black hole known as CDG.
“@airfrance and @AirFranceUK have been very quiet on Twitter lately so no communication. Looking doubtful I will participate tomorrow @TMcOpen qualifier.”
The frustrated Portrush man finally tweeted: “I have officially withdrawn from @TheOpen qualifying tomorrow at St Anne’s Old Links.
“I cannot give 100% without my own equipment which has been mishandled by @AirFrance and must turn my attention to @DDFIrishOpen this weekend. Thanks for all the support.”
McDowell added that he had decided to “cut my losses and start preparing” for this week’s Irish Open at Ballyliffin, which begins on Thursday, and also offers a chance to qualify for the Open.
McDowell, Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke will carry local hopes at this week’s Irish Open.