G-Mac shows his mettle

Graeme McDowell’s Ryder Cup experience proved crucial as he came back from the dead to beat big-hitting pal Gary Woodland with a birdie at the 19th in the first round of the WGC-Accenture Match Play last night.

McDowell was reeling, four down after seven and three down with three to play before the man from Kansas lost his nerve coming down the stretch.

McDowell used all his matchplay experience to clinch a memorable victory by rolling in a six footer for a sweet birdie three at the first extra hole to deny his Lake Nona neighbour.