McDowell takes fresh approach

GRAEME McDOWELL has come up with a novel way of preparing for the start of the 138th Open Championship.

He practised yesterday at Turnberry before driving to Stranraer, where he hopped on a ferry and on arrival in Belfast continued his journey until arriving at his home in Portrush. He will watch his brother, Gary, compete in the North of Ireland Amateur Championship today, hit a few practice balls later in the day and then helicopter back to Turnberry tomorrow for a final practice round.

“I’ve played Turnberry three times now and another round will be enough,” claimed McDowell who is very enthusiastic about the superb links on the west coast of Scotland. “It is in fabulous order and very well set up off the tee. There is a premium on accuracy off the tee because of well positioned bunkers and heavy rough but if you do drive the ball well then you have some medium to short irons in your hand to pretty easy greens and you can make birdies.