G-Mac straight down to work

GRAEME McDOWELL now refers to Rory McIlroy as “The Man” — but his own talent was there for all to see again at Castle Stuart near Inverness yesterday.

While McIlroy rests up before trying next week to become the youngest Claret Jug holder since 1893 — and the first ever player to make a US Open-British Open double his first two majors — McDowell fired a second round 64 to set up the possibility of a second Barclays Scottish Open title in four years.

Last year’s US Open champion stands 11 under par at halfway and when play was suspended for the day after two thunderstorm delays he was sharing top spot with Scots Peter Whiteford and Scott Jamieson.