Magnanimous McDowell wishes Gallacher well in Ryder Cup battle

With Graeme McDowell hoping to enjoy the excitement later today of becoming a new father, he’s shown enormous sportsmanship in wishing Stephen Gallacher well in qualifying for the European Ryder Cup team.

Gallacher now needs to finish top-two in this week’s Italian Open, and the final European Team qualifying event, and if successful the current 11th place Scot will overtake the present ninth-ranked McDowell.

McDowell could have slammed Gleneagles door shut on Gallacher with a strong showing in the PGA Tour’s Barclays Championship, and the final qualifying event for the many European-born players competing in the States.

However McDowell’s final round 72 for an eventual share of 40th place in Paramus, New Jersey has presented Gallacher with the opportunity to now qualify automatically for Paul McGinley’s side.

“I hope Stevie goes to Italy and does the job as that will throw the cat among the pigeons but then he’s had a great year,” said McDowell.

“And with the Ryder Cup being in Scotland, I certainly would not begrudge him a spot in the team, so whatever happens, happens.

“I’ve not put enough world ranking points on the board this week but it’s been a good summer, and I’ve done my part and I’m sure Paul is aware of that but that’s my Ryder Cup qualifying run over.”

Rory McIlroy was all smiles in birdieing his closing two holes to end with a pair of 70s for a then share of 23rd place on five under.

“It was nice to birdie the last two but the story of the week was that I couldn’t get anything going on the greens,” he said.

“I didn’t just putt as well as I had in winning the past three weeks, and while it would have been nice to win four in a row, it was always going to end sometime so I’m not overly concerned.”

Meanwhile Jamie Donaldson has booked his place in the European team at this year’s Ryder Cup after winning the Czech Masters by two shots.

The Welshman held off the challenge of his countryman Bradley Dredge to scoop the €166,660 prize money and qualify via the European list.

The 38-year-old hit six birdies and carded a four- under-par 68 to reverse a two-shot deficit behind Dredge after a third-round 71 saw him slip behind, having led following the first two days at the Albatross Golf Resort in Prague.

At the start of the week he needed €30,000 from the Prague tournament and next week’s Italian Open to ensure he tees off at Gleneagles without having to fight it out with a host of other names for qualification from the world points list.