Luck of the Irish fades away

IT WAS a desperately disappointing British Open for the Irish, none of whom looked remotely like figuring in the shake-up.

Best of the quintet was Graeme McDowell, who was six off the pace after three rounds but never really got going and finished in 73 for five over par and a share of 34th. He was followed by playing partner Paul McGinley, 75 for 7 over, and tied 43rd; Rory McIlroy, 71 for 8 over, tied 47th; Darren Clarke 69 for nine over tied 52nd and Padraig Harrington, 73 for 12 over, tied 65th.

McDowell believes that he is getting closer and closer on the biggest days while accepting that “I don’t mind admitting I haven’t had a great season and quite honestly, I need to get better. I feel I turned the corner a little this week and I am getting myself in the mix in the major championships.”