McDowell seeks repeat on his Island of dreams

GRAEME McDOWELL, who has reclaimed his place in the world top 50 thanks to a top 10 finish in the Volvo China Open, hopes for a repeat of some fond memories at this week’s Ballantines Championship over the Pinx golf course in Jeju Island, Korea.

The 30 year-old Ulster man won the fourth of his European Tour titles there two years ago and having shot 10 under in China, bids to improve on his world ranking of 49th. The other Irish in the Korea field are Shane Lowry, Peter Lawrie, Gareth Maybin, Paul McGinley and Damien McGrane.

The entry for the €2.2m event is led by world number seven Ernie Els, a two-time winner this year on the US Tour, and Colombian Camilo Villegas. The home favourite is reigning US PGA champ YE Yang, who played impressive golf to win in China.