McDowell ‘fired up’ for Celtic Manor

GRAEME McDOWELL willput the finishing touches tohis Ryder Cup preparations this week after making an encouraging return to action.

The US Open champion returned from a month off with a solid performance in the Austrian Open, finishing in a share of third place.

His previous tournament was the US PGA Championship, where rounds of 76 and 71 meant he missed the cut, but four rounds under 70 in Atzenbrugg pleased the Portrush man. With a week remaining before Colin Montgomerie’s team convene at Celtic Manor ahead of the match against the United States, McDowell isoptimistic he is in the sort of form which can make him a mainstay.