Bumbling Graeme McDowell escapes censure for marker gaffe

Such is his relationship with Augusta National that the Masters often holds a sting in the tail for Graeme McDowell, but it was a brush with an actual bee that nearly derailed him last night.

The 2010 US Open champion completed 72 holes for just the third time in eight attempts, finishing with a one-over 73 that pushed him to six over for the tournament, level with fellow Irishman Darren Clarke, who posted a closing level-par 72.

McDowell, though, would have had no complaints if his card had read 74, after an incident at the par-three fourth hole which saw him pick up a one-shot penalty, only to be later rescinded.

“I very clumsily tried to remove a bumblebee from the area around my ball-marker, and managed to swipe the bumblebee and my marker away,” McDowell said. “A rules official came over and told me to replace my marker and add a shot penalty, turned my five (over, for the tournament) into a six.

“I got that shot two holes later, (officials) came over and I got my shot back. I said to them if they could follow me around for the rest of the day because they were the first guys to save me a shot in a while. It was good.

“It was a very, very clumsy thing to do and it deserved the penalty.”

McDowell left Augusta for next week’s tournament at Hilton Head feeling better for his latest experience as he continues to work on his game.

“It’s same-old, really, trying to learn. I felt like I certainly exorcised a few demons out there, golf holes that have given me trouble in the past, and learning to get to grips with them. It was a bit of a work in progress out there.

“My game is a work in progress. My ability to play this golf course is a work in progress. I didn’t really let it get to me this week, which I’m happy with. Emotionally I was on a pretty even keel all week, which is what you’re looking for. I didn’t drive the ball anything like I can.

“My speed putting was really off the mark early in the week as well. It’s live and learn. I definitely learned a lot of good things this week I can take away and pour back into coming back here again, but most importantly seeing some good shots.

“I’ve got a lot of work to do. My game’s not where it needs to be but we keep grinding away. That’s what it’s all about.”

Clarke, too, was in a positive mood as he headed to Florida’s Gulf Coast for some big-game fishing.

“I had a lot of really, really good shots. My game’s not bad, not that far off. But obviously disappointing yesterday to shoot the score that I did (77), the fact I was not playing as badly as my score suggests. But I’ve been coming here long enough to know that that’s Augusta.

“I’m going tarpon fishing now for three days in Boca Grande.

“I’ve been waiting for this for a long time.”