McGinley putts it in perspective

A PRETTY dismal US Open for the Irish contingent ended on a predictably low note in yesterday’s scorching sunshine as Paul McGinley shot 74 for 13 over par and a share of 43rd place.

It was a whole lot worse for Graeme McDowell, who crashed to an 81 to come home in 80th place with only two players behind him.

Both tried to put a positive spin on things but the sad reality is that not alone McGinley and McDowell, but also Padraig Harrington who missed the cut by three shots, were found badly wanting. As developments on the final afternoon demonstrated, the Pinehurst course was a real brute with none of the field able to cope with its unique difficulties and making anything remotely close to par look a great score. Stewart Cink shot 69 but he was never remotely in contention and so was under little or no pressure.