Mehaffey out to make real swing of it in Major quest

OLIVIA Mehaffey has made some major swing changes ahead of the US Women’s Open in Houston.

Covid-19 has forced the Royal County Down Ladies star (23) to shelve plans to turn pro until 2021. But she tees it up at Champions Golf Club today — her seventh women’s Major appearance and her third this year — looking to see results after switching from a fade to a draw under Spanish coach Jorge Parada.

“I’ve put a lot of focus into my long game,” said Mehaffey, who tees it up with Americans Lindsey Weaver and Annie Park on the Jack Rabbit Course (3.31pm GMT). “It’s always been my weakness. I’ve always putted very well and had a great short game, but never really been that satisfied.

“I think when you play Majors, you get to see what it takes, and I learned the most from any Major at the ANA Inspiration and I’m glad that I’ve been able to put it into work the past few months.”

Meanwhile, Graeme Mcdowell (41) hopes to make a title run in his first appearance for six years in this week’s $8m DP World Tour Championship in Dubai where 61 of the 65-man field have a mathematical chance to become European No.1.

“I still harbour outside hopes and beliefs and dreams of making the (Ryder Cup) team as a player,” said Mcdowell, who admitted a vice-captaincy under Padraig Harrington is an obvious stepping stone to becoming captain at Adare Manor in 2027.

“Obviously, goal No.1 is to make it as a player. But if I don’t, absolutely. I want to be a captain one day.

“Does that captaincy in 2027 at Adare Manor have my name on it? Who knows. There’s a lot of water has to flow under the bridge between now and then.”