G-MAC BACKS AN ‘IRRITATED’ CHAMP RAHM
FEW backed Graeme Mcdowell to come out on top in yesterday’s high-profile shootout with an “irritated” Jon Rahm.
But the Ulsterman - 175th in the world and a 60/1 outsider before a drive was pinged in anger - turned recent form on its head to eclipse the fiery Spaniard at Ballyliffin.
While Rahm beat the ground with his sand wedge and angrily berated himself for a series of wayward shots, Mcdowell kept his cool to enter the clubhouse one under.
The 2010 US Open champion, who sank three birdies in his last seven holes, ended the opening round three shots better off than the defending champion who had a day to forget.
Rahm (below) insisted earlier in the week he wouldn’t change his feisty personality for anyone - and he was searingly true to his word on the Inishowen Peninsula.
Two double bogeys at the 18th and first – his ninth and 10th holes – left the World No5 spitting feathers and facing an uphill task in today’s second round.
Mcdowell said: “Jon’s an uber talented player. He just seemed a little irritated with himself for whatever reason but we all get that way sometimes.
“I’d expect him to be back firing on all cylinders. Maybe he just had that defending champion irritation, that little bit of extra pressure and expectation level.
“He’s one of those guys - he just gets irritated with himself but he’s not destructive to anyone else. He was pleasant to be around.”
G-mac, bidding to win his first Irish Open at the 17th attempt, was satisfied to end day one on a positive note after being two over after 12.
It was a timely steadying of the ship for the 38-year-old who has found consistency and world ranking points hard to find in recent times.
“I’ve a little bit of a pep in my step,” he said. “It was nice to hang in there and turn a 75 into a 71. It could easily have got away from me. It was a more rewarding one-under than some I’ve shot.
“I’d love to win one of these before all’s said and done. Hopefully I get a chance to go low in the second round. I want to be in the mix for the weekend.”