Airport hassle for McDowell and McIlroy

GRAEME MCDOWELL’S quest to end the season as the European Tour’s number one didn’t start too well when he andfellow Ulster golfer Rory McIlroy were left stranded at Dubai Airport early yesterday morning.

Ireland’s ‘Big Mac’ golfers, along with new UBS Hong Kong Open champion, Ian Poulter, and joint runner-up Matteo Manassero of Italy, plus many more players, caddies and officials arrived in Dubai at 5.30am local time after their eight-and-a-quarter hour flight from Hong Kong.

McDowell and McIlroy travelled first class on Emirates Airlines but they were still awaiting the arrival of their luggage in Dubai’s flash new terminal long after those in economy were on their way to their respective hotels.