McDowell chasing Grace

GRAEME McDowell is two shots off the lead after the opening round of t he Valero Texas Open.

The Northern Irishman, who has not won on the PGA Tour since 2015, carded a four-under-par 68, consisting of seven birdies and three bogeys, to put himself i n early contention in San Antonio.

McDowell i s chasing South Africa’s Branden Grace, whose 66 sent him one-shot clear at t he summit. Grace also fired seven birdies, with a solitary bogey.

American trio Will MacKenzie, John Huh and Stewart Cink and Australian Steven Alker are all on five under while McDowell i s one of 13 players on four under.

TIGER Woods has announced he has undergone successful back surgery.

The 41-year-old released a statement confirming he had an operation to alleviate “ongoing pain in his back and leg”.

The 14-time Major winner announced on his official website: “The surgery went well, and I’m optimistic this will relieve my back spasms and pain.

“When healed, I l ook forward to getting back to a normal life, playing with my kids, competing i n professional golf and living without the pain I have been battling so long.”

Woods has not played competitively since withdrawing from t he Dubai DesertClassic at the start of February due to back spasms.

The former world No 1 attempted to return in time for the Masters at Augusta National earlier this month but said his back rehabilitation did not allow him the ti me to get “tournament ready”.

Graeme McDowell