McDowell cautious on second day

Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell was unable to reproduce the first round fireworks today which saw him set a new course record of 64 at the club he has just agreed to represent on the European Tour.

But his round of 73 still left him just one off the lead in only his fourth event as a professional.

“It was difficult to get the right mindset,” said the 23-year-old, who helped Great Britain and Ireland retain the Walker Cup for the first time last year and was ranked top collegiate golfer in America this season.

“I was being a bit protective even though you shouldn’t be because there was still a long way to go.

“I got off to a good start with a birdie on the second but I hit a couple of poor shots and the course can come up and grab you sometimes.

“It was a tricky day, the wind was very strong sometimes, but I’m looking forward to the weekend.

“It was disappointing to three-putt the 17th when I had the chance of a birdie but it’s a very nice position to be in.”

Ireland’s David Higgins was disqualified from the £1.3m (€3m) event after walking off the course after nine holes of his second round.

The 29-year-old from Waterville was five over for the day and 10 over in total when he decided to call it a day, and faces a fine from tour officials if he fails to offer a satisfactory explanation.

It at least did not distract his two playing partners, Immelman carding a 67 to lie joint second and Worksop’s Mark Foster a 68 to be a stroke further back.