YOU can understand Graeme McDowell’s disappointment at Rory McIlroy’s decision to leave Horizon Sports Management after just 18 months in the same stable.

Graeme McDowell hit back from arrears of two holes after three to beat Sweden’s Robert Karlsson in the first round of the Volvo Match Play Championship here at Finca Cortesin on Spain’s Costa del Sol yesterday.

ROSS FISHER, a 29-year-old from the horseracing haven of Ascot, proved at Killarney yesterday that nice guys do come first.

After taking more than a month off – and being criticised by Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie for not playing for Britain and Ireland – Ian Poulter is set to return to action the week after next.