McDowell loses ground

Overnight leader Graeme McDowell had to be content with a one-over par 73 in his second round of the British Open and slipped back down the field.

McDowell did well to finish with a bogey at the last after an air shot.

His troubles began when his drive veered straight right. The ball was heading out of bounds only to bounce back into play. But that was where his luck ended.

McDowell, one shot ahead overnight, explained: “I was in a huge clump in the rough but thought I could still get club on ball. But I caught the grass instead and the ball did not move at all.

“I did well to get up and down and finish with a six. That was the best I could really have hoped for.”

McDowell’s round ended as it had started as he found rough at the first to begin with a bogey.

However he moved to back to six under at the tenth before coming to grief at the 18th, posting a total of 139.

McDowell said: “I did not sleep well last night but that was only because it was very hot. I thought I performed pretty well today considering the circumstances. I was three or four putts short of getting myself into a really good position.

“Leading the (British) Open is a great feeling and I will be trying to get back into contention the next couple of days.

“The crowds were fantastic to me. I got a great reception all the way through. I had a lot of fun. Now I can go out tomorrow with the pressure off me. I am looking forward to the weekend.”