Following his 1-under in the first round of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, Graeme McDowell spoke to Nathan Murphy about how the course is playing and what it will take to win and what it means to him.
"It means a lot obviously, I’m very passionate about this tournament. I’m maybe not as incensed about it as I was 10 years ago. I’m a little bit more relaxed coming in and I just see it as another opportunity," he said.
"My family and friends out there in the crowd, of course I wanna be here in the mix for the weekend. I’d love to win one of these before it’s all said and done.
"A links golf course like this very similar to where I grew up, there’s no reason why I can’t compete this weekend."
After warning his fellow golfers of how hard this course would play due to the dry surfaces and strong breeze, G'Mac talked about their response and view of the course.
"Talking to guys who played in the afternoon yesterday, they felt like it was a little trickier and this course continues to dry out, perhaps I over-warned them. I still think it’s gonna be teens required to win this tournament," he said.
"I think with the colder weather start this morning, it maybe took a little sting out of the golf course, made it's a little trickier for guys starting out. I’m glad I’ve warned them at that angle. The weather has improved a lot and see if this afternoon breeze kicks up.
"20-under under might win this by five."
Stephen Kierans
