The Masers: Graeme McDowell only bright spot on bad day for Irish hopes

Graeme McDowell tees off on the ninth hole during a practice round

Graeme McDowell’s unrequited love affair with Augusta and the Masters got off to a better than average reunion today. He was the lone Irish story worth writing home about.

Playing in his 10th Masters and first since 2016, McDowell shot even-par 70 in the opening round, making double bogey on the ninth hole to avoid breaking par. On the two occasions be did break par in 2009 and 2015, he made two of his three career cuts at Augusta.