McDowell back in swing

THE Spanish sunshine failed to brighten Sergio Garcia’s mood as he missed hit first cut on European soil for six years in the Madrid Masters.

But while the former world No 2 was left to wonder what fate awaits him when he returns for the US Open in a fortnight, Ireland’s Graeme McDowell was enjoying his golf again after being freed from the shackles of the world rankings earlier this week.

The Portrush star faced a worrying wait for Monday’s updated list to see if he had remained in the top 50 and secured starts in the next two majors.