Don’t write off McDowell from making Ryder Cup
Only one golfer came through automatic qualifying to play for Europe in each of the last four Ryder Cups and yet he’s barely been mentioned in terms of a wildcard for this year’s match in Minnesota, much less making it off his own efforts once again.
Such was the impact of Graeme McDowell’s year to forget, one that saw him tumble down the world rankings — from 15th at the start of 2015, he fell as low as 85th at one point — and out of public consciousness.
‘Am I good enough? Am I finished? We’ve all been there because this is golf and it’s very difficult and you do end up asking yourself all the usual questions,’ said the 36-year-old, with his trademark honesty.
As he prepares to tee it up alongside fellow northern Irishman Rory McIlroy in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic this week, one stark fact illustrates just how far McDowell has fallen. While his old protege McIlroy gets ready to defend another title, McDowell is returning to the event on the European Tour where he achieved his last top 10. In 2014, he mustered no fewer than eight.
It was hard to witness last year, given the enormous contribution McDowell has made to the good times Europe have enjoyed. In the last Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, he delivered a masterful performance, guiding Victor Dubuisson by the hand to two victories out of two before a typically gutsy win over Jordan Spieth in the crucial opening singles match.
needless to say, it’s a long way from where he is now to contemplating such glories again in September in a team skippered by fellow Portrush native Darren Clarke. yet there are grounds for optimism that he can complete the journey.
That was evident towards the end of last year when, out of nowhere, he found himself with a chance to win on the PGA tour in Mexico.
Rarely will you see a better example of that old line about form being temporary but class permanent in the gritty manner in which McDowell struck a glorious five-iron to two feet to seal a play- off win and earn a spot at the Masters in April. The f ollowing week, he finished tied third.
‘It was a nice step back to where I want to be,’ said the 2010 US Open champion last week. ‘I want to be back up there winning tournaments, winning majors and playing for Europe in the Ryder Cup. last year was awful, there’s no getting away from that. It was tough for all my team — caddie, coaches, managers, my wife.
‘For all the right reasons, I lost my way. I’d come home from events and be more interested in spending time with my wife and our baby daughter than going to the range.
‘But then I realised I still love the game and so there was a re - dedication process I went through and I’ve been working hard again. I’m excited for the season.’
The message is clear: don’t give up on Graeme McDowell just yet.