McDowell playing it cool

Former US Open champion Graeme McDowell will avoid reaching for the panic button when he competes in this week’s Alstom Open de France.

McDowell’s missed cut in last week’s Irish Open was the fifth in his last six strokeplay events and left him spending the weekend at Carton House on the practice range, alongside compatriot Rory McIlroy, looking for some form ahead of the upcoming British Open.

The 33-year-old also made early exits from the Masters, US Open and Players Championship this season, but can somehow boast two wins alongside all the missed cuts, claiming the RBC Heritage title the week after Augusta and the Volvo World Match Play crown in Bulgaria.