Clubs switch drives G-Mac

GRAEME McDOWELL, now up to fifth in the world rankings, is confident that a change from Callawayto Srixon clubs will not harm hisprospects of making a strong start tothe new season in Hawaii this week.

McDowell and his managementteam, Horizon Sports led byConor Ridge and ColinMorrissey, haven’t been slow incapitalising on the Portrushgolfer’s remarkableachievements in 2010.The switch to the Japanesecompany Srixon is said tobe worth €2.25m perannum over a number ofyears and is the first ofseveral similarannouncements in the pipeline. The contract means that G-Mac will play Srixon clubs and balls and the renowned wedges of the company’s sister company, Cleveland.

A number of successful golfers have suffered in the past when changing from one set of clubs to another. On the face of it, it’s not easy to see how new equipment can help McDowell improve on all he accomplished last year, although it should help that he will still be free to continue with his trusty Callaway FT-3 driver.