McDowell still confident of Ryder spot

Triple Ryder Cup star Graeme McDowell is confident of being afforded a ‘wildcard’ pick should he drop outside the automatic nine qualifiers following this week’s Barclays Championship in New Jersey.

McDowell gave his Gleneagles goal a huge kick in posting a second round three under par 68 to move to four under par and just three shots behind the leading trio of Jim Furyk (69), Kevin Chappell (67) and Cameron Todd (69) in the last qualifying event for the PGA Tour based Europeans.

The soon-to-be new father arrived at the Ridgewood Country Club course right on the bubble in ninth place of those who will qualify automatically at the close next Sunday night August 31 of the Italian Open.