Graeme McDowell ‘gutted’ after new rule costs him dearly on Portrush final hole

“I feel like all the air has been let out of the sails plus some. The ship feels like it’s sinking.”

Graeme McDowell was left to curse a poor finish and one of golf’s new rules after squandering a promising start to the 148th Open in his home town of Portrush.

McDowell played the first 14 holes in three under par but then three-putted the 15th and 17th and ran up a triple-bogey seven on the 18th after losing his ball following a wayward drive.