Graeme McDowell left content after ‘grinding’ start in Ballyliffin

Graeme McDowell left Ballyliffin last night satisfied with a “grinding” one-under-par 71 that he believes will give him a great chance of a maiden Dubai Duty Free Irish Open victory if he can repeat it for another 54 holes.

Six birdies and five bogeys yesterday morning at the Glashedy Links have left the Portrush star four shots off Ryan Fox’s overnight lead and McDowell, 38, felt his outlook improved as the temperature rose following a damp start to the opening day in Donegal following overnight rain.