Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell flies to Dubai rueing a series of missed opportunities in his bid to become Europe’s top golfer after a poor final day in the Hong Kong Open.
He believed he had hit peak form in time to round off a brilliant year with a win but limped back to the clubhouse in fifth, with a poor front nine including two bogeys putting him out of contention and handing the title to England’s Ian Poulter.
McDowell now heads to the desert to prepare for the climax of the Race to Dubai, aiming to add the crown of European No 1 to his US Open title and the key role he played in the Ryder Cup win at Celtic Manor.
He faces formidable competition in his rival Martin Kaymer, the 25-year-old German whose four victories this year see him at the top of the European money list.
Kaymer sat out of Hong Kong, giving McDowell a golden opportunity to move within $90,000 of the German with a win.
G-Mac, as he is known affectionately by fellow professionals and fans alike, shot 63 on Saturday to move to within two shots of Poulter and had confidently promised Kaymer some sleepless nights ahead of the Dubai showdown.
“The putter was generally just cold today,” he said. “I missed the fairway right on (hole) one. I had a hampered second shot and made bogey there, and made bogey out of the green side trap on three.
“Just when I needed a fast start, I had a slow start, and was chasing from there, really.”
Having taken a consolation of around $77,000 for his performance in Hong Kong, McDowell goes to the $7.5 million Dubai World Championship having to make up around $300,000 on his rival, but he remained confident.
“I’m within touching distance now of next week. I’ve got to play well next week, simple as that. Martin, I can’t control his ball - I can only control mine.
“I’m going to go in there next week and try to play my own game. I have a few things to brush up on before Thursday, but all in all, I’m driving the ball great, which is key to next week and I’m feeling really good, feeling really good about my game.
“I’m playing well enough to win next week and that’s all I can ask.”