Graeme McDowell off to a 'perfect' start
GRAEME McDOWELL shouted “perfect” after learning he will play the opening two rounds in the company of former winner Zach Johnson and Korean KJ Choi.
McDowell, competing in his sixth Masters, will tee up in the season’s first Major at 2.50pm UK time.
As he headed out to complete yesterday’s practice round he was asked what he thought of his tee time and grouping.
“Who am I playing with?” he asked. And when informed, McDowell said: “perfect”.
It’s a very strong pairing with a former winner in Zach and KJ is a very solid player.
“It’s a very strong pairing with a former winner in Zach and KJ is a very solid player. All three of us are not the longest players, but I do feel, having played with Zach and KJ, that our short games could put us in good stead.
“I also see the three of us as good grinders, so all in all it’s a good draw.” McDowell arrived on Sunday with fiancee Kristin and father Kenny and got his first look at the course on Monday.
He played again yesterday in the company of fellow Royal Portrush member and reigning British Amateur champion Alan Dunbar.
“I’m excited that this is now the beginning of a new Major season,” he said. “Augusta is one of those golf courses where I have been working hard to master and every year I do come back I feel as though I can see my way better around this course.
“So I am really enjoying the build-up and really looking forward to the gun going off on Thursday.
“I’ve gone with my week off before the Masters again and try and conserve energy in the build-up so I’ve got plenty still in the tank for Sunday.”