Graeme McDowell out to end Wentworth hex

The teeth have been ungritted, the mind opened to fresh thoughts and the mood modified to optimistic but whatever Graeme McDowell tries to get the better of Wentworth’s West Course, the Irishman admits he has something of a Marmite relationship with the place.

Love it or hate it, and after three straight missed cuts at the BMW PGA Championship one can guess McDowell is veering towards the latter, at least the former US Open champion continues to play the European Tour’s flagship tournament, which starts today, just west of London.

Ryder Cup colleague Ian Poulter will not be here, having turned his back on the event after eight missed cuts in 13 appearances at the BMW PGA and only one top-10 finish. The Englishman has finally said enough is enough and McDowell doesn’t blame his fellow Florida resident, insisting Europeans should not be forced to play their Tour’s most prestigious event.