McDowell leads Irish charge

Graeme McDowell leads the home contingent after the opening round of the Irish Open at Portstewart on Thursday.

McDowell carded a five-under par round of 67 for a tie of sixth place, two shots off the early pace set by England's Oliver Fisher and Matthew Southgate.

Padraig Harrington and Shane Lowry are a shot behind after four-under-par rounds of 68.

The 37-year-old, who missed the cut at last week's French Open after bogeys on the final four holes of his second round, needs a top-10 finish at the Irish Open this week or Scottish Open at Troon the following week to qualify for the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, which takes place between 20-23 July.

The Portrush golfer last won on the PGA Tour in November 2015 at the OHL Classic at Mayakoba, and is now down to number 93 in the world rankings.

"I was happy with the way I rolled it on the greens generally and hit a lot of nice quality shots," McDowell said.

"A few tee shots that could have been a little bit better position but overall, I am happy enough with the start. Low scoring, you had to go and do something.

"It's been frustrating [this season] for all the right reasons. Because I've been playing well, I’ve been walking away on Sunday nights, not feeling like I got enough out of the week. 

"That's a better frustration than when you just know you’re not playing well.

"The game's not been far away, and you know, perhaps it's a week like this week that can give me that little bit of spark and that little bit of inspiration to really kick me on with the summer. 

"I am really pleased with that start and getting back at it tomorrow."

Images: Inpho/ Peter Morrison

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