Mighty McDowell on the march again

GRAEME McDowell was quick to stress that there’s a long way to go in the Andalucia Masters at Valderrama.

But he also acknowledged that yesterday’s blemish free three under par 68 in the opening round of the €3million tournament has put him in a strong position towards bridging the near million point gap between himself and current leader Martin Kaymer on the European Tour’s Race to Dubai order of merit.

McDowell ended the day four strokes clear of the German although late in the day he was eventually overtaken by the Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal, who cruised around in 66. McDowell is tied for 2nd with fellow Irishman Damien McGrane who completed a fine day’s work with a birdie on the 18th in another round that didn’t contain a concession to par.