Graeme McDowell – winner of the 2020 Saudi International – has withdrawn from this week’s PGA Tour event the Travelers Championship after his caddy tested positive for COVID-19. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

US OPEN champion Graeme McDowell has withdrawn from this week’s Travelers Championship in America, after his caddy tested positive for COVID-19.

The Northern Ireland ace, who lives in Florida, pulled out of the PGA Tour event in Connecticut, on Tuesday night after it was confirmed caddy longstanding Ken Comboy had been diagnosed as having the coronavirus.

McDowell told an American website:”For the protection of the field and for my own physical and mental well-being, I’m going to take a test tomorrow morning then jump on a private plane.”

The pair had spent six hours driving in a car from the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town in South Carolina, back to their Florida base, after missing the cut on Friday.

Having left the PGA Tour bubble, Comboy was reported to have felt unwell.

The popular caddy returned from Lake Nona to Harbour Town to request a test from the PGA Tour.

McDowell, who then travelled to TPC River Highlands for this week’s Traveler’s Championship, admitted he feared he would become the next player to be tested positive.

Known as G-Mac throughout golf, Graeme said: “I’d been through a huge amount emotionally and mentally, and a couple of weeks back into it after a few months off you’re going to be a little tired getting your golf legs back.

“But the alarm bells have started to ring now that Kenny has failed this test.

“We’re a close-knit team. We roomed together last week, we spent six hours in a car.

“He’s carrying the virus so in some way I have to be carrying it too,” said McDowell, who won the 2010 US Open at Pebble Beach.

McDowell, a past winner at Harbour Town, missed the cut on Friday in the RBC Heritage and travelled back to his Florida home by car with caddy Ken Comboy

McDowell and Champ withdraw

CADDY Ken Comboy and McDowell are one of longest-running partnerships on Tour, and recently celebrated his 14th win at the Saudi International in February.

The Ryder Cup ace played a practice round at TPC River Highlands, on Tuesday, with Shane Lowry and Brooks Koepka and his brother Chase – a former European Challenge Tour player.

Chase came through Monday qualifying to earn his start in Thursday’s event.

Nick Watney became the first PGA Tour play to test positive for COVID-19, last Friday, after the tour staged its second event at Harbour Town – a week after the sport returned with the Charles Schwab Cup in Texas.

And on Monday, Cameron Champ became the second player to fail the coronavirus test after the PGA Tour bubbule moved to the north east, in the USA.

The World No. 79 will have to self-isolate for at least 10 days before he can rejoin the PGA Tour bubble, assuming he then does not test positive again.

Champ is one of the longest hitters on the PGA Tour. He burst into the world’s top 100 after the Web.com Tour graduate made his breakthrough win less than two years ago.

He won the Sandersons Championship, in October 2018, in his second start of the wraparound season – and just his eighth Tour start in total.

The TPC River Highlands course in Hartford, Connecticut, has attracted its strongest-ever field for this week’s Travelers Championship

Strongest line-up for Travelers Championship

NINE of the world’s top 10 are set to tee it up at TPC River Highlands in Hartford, Connecticut.

That is the strongest line-up in the tournament’s history. Bubba Watson has won the event three times in the last decade.

The Travelers will be the third tournament in as many weeks to be played without spectators.

What effect the latest positive tests will have on PGA Tour’s return remains to be seen.

The PGA of America confirmed on Monday that no fans will be present for the first Major of 2020.

The USPGA will be played at TPC Harding Park, in San Francisco, in early August, without any spectators on site.

The PGA Tour was expecting to allow fans to attend Jack Nicklaus’ Memorial Tournament, next month.

But the latest COVID-19 scare – along with growings signs the coronavirus is still spreading in key cities in the USA – will pile pressure on the PGA Tour over its plans to let spectators attend.

The post Caddy Ken tests positive for COVID-19 forcing G-Mac to withdraw from Travellers appeared first on Golf North.

ET player Amy Boulden teaching a young girl ahead of the Saudi Ladies International, which is being staged at the Royal Greens G&CC, in King Abdullah Economic City

THE inaugural Aramco Saudi Ladies International – the first female professional golf tournament to be played in Saudi Arabia – has been rearranged for October.

The switch following its postponement last month due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the announcement was made by the Ladies European Tour and Golf Saudi to move it to October 8-11.

The $1million event will take place at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club where some of the world’s finest golfing talent are set to arrive on Saudi shores for the historic occasion in the autumn.

Royal Greens hosted the European Tour Saudi International for a second time in February when Graeme McDowell picked up his first European Tour win in nearly six years.

Yasir O Al-Rumayyan, chairman of the Saudi Golf Federation and Golf Saudi, said: “It gives me great pleasure to confirm we are working towards a new date of October 8-11 for the Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by Public Investment Fund.

“We will, of course, continue to work closely with health authorities both domestically and across the region in the interim, but are hopeful we will be able to bring this momentous occasion to Saudi Arabia in six months’ time.

“As we focus upon the necessary precautions, we would like to pay particular thanks to all of our sponsors, partners and players, who have shown unwavering commitment through these unprecedented times.

“And it is due to their support that we are now able to announce a revised date for this landmark occasion.”

The October tournament will be a watershed moment for the country.

The LET reiterated its commitment to visiting Saudi Arabia after the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, and echoed Golf Saudi’s calls to ensure the inaugural tournament lives up to its billing.

LET chief executive Alexandra Armas said: “Postponing the inaugural Aramco Saudi Ladies International – originally scheduled to take place in March – was a difficult decision.

“However we have been extremely impressed by Golf Saudi’s commitment to working through the challenges and making this historic event happen.

“We would like to thank all stakeholders for their incredible support, and I am sure this fantastic new tournament will be one of the major highlights of 2020.”

One of the richest tournaments on the LET schedule, the hosting of the Aramco Saudi Ladies International was part of a move to increase golf participation significantly through a very ambitious development programme in the kingdom.

The country has staged a number of high-level sporting fixtures, including football, boxing, motorsport and equestrian events – countering criticism of the Saudi regime’s human rights record.

•More information about Golf Saudi and the Aramco Saudi Ladies International can be found at https://www.golfsaudi.com/en-us/ladies-international/

For information on the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club visit: https://royalgreens.net/

Graeme McDowell – winner of the 2020 Saudi International at Royal Greens G&CC. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

The post New October date set for LET Saudi Ladies International at Royal Greens appeared first on Golf North.

World No. 1 Rory McIlroy watched Tiger Woods win the World Golf Championshiop at Mount Juliet in 2002 – now he hopes he can win a second Irish Open at the Kilkenny course.

RORY McIlroy will make a much-anticipated return to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Mount Juliet Estate in May.

The four-time Major winner will join his fellow Northern Irishman, close friend and tournament host Graeme McDowell, when McIlroy tees it up at the second Rolex Series event of the 2020 Race to Dubai season.

The current World No. 1 will head a star-studded field which also includes defending champion Jon Rahm and the reigning Open Champion Shane Lowry, when the event takes place from May 28-31.

McIlroy will be targeting a second victory in an event which he himself hosted from 2015-18 – helping elevate the historic national open to become one of the European Tour’s eight premier Rolex Series events.

The 30-year-old famously lifted the trophy at the K Club in 2016, delighting the home crowds with a swashbuckling display down the stretch to hold off Scot Russell Knox – who went on to claim the title in 2017 – and Welshman Bradley Dredge.

“I’m looking forward to it a lot,” said McIlroy. “It’s a bit different going back for a May date as opposed to July, and at a parkland course at Mount Juliet.

“I’ve never played the course but got good memories – it was the first time I ever watched Tiger Woods play in person.

“My dad drove me down and we watched the WGC there and that was really cool, so it’ll be exciting to tee it up there myself and try to win a tournament there.”

Dubai Duty Free chief executive Colm McLoughlin said: “We are delighted Rory has confirmed his attendance at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Mount Juliet.

“Our involvement as title sponsor of the tournament began when Rory took on the hosting duties in 2015, and he did a great job in raising the profile of the event.

“We are looking forward to a great week in Kilkenny and working with Mount Juliet, the European Tour, this year’s host Graeme McDowell, Sport Ireland and all of the other entities to make this event a great success.”

Mount Juliet already boasts a prestigious list of winners after a three-year stint of hosting the event – with Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer and Sam Torrance winning in 1993, 1994 and 1995 respectively – and McIlroy will be hoping to join that list in May.

The luxury five-star resort in Kilkenny also hosted Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf in 1997 – a challenge match between Tom Watson and Fred Couples, won by the latter – as well as the WGC-American Express Championship in 2002 and 2004 – won by Tiger Woods and Ernie Els respectively.

Buy early bird tickets by March 3

EARLY bird ticket prices begin at €13 for the Wednesday pro-am day, with Thursday and Friday day tickets available for a special price of €23.

Saturday and Sunday tickets begin at €27. Fans can enjoy five days of world-class golf and entertainment for only €83 if they purchase their season tickets prior to Tuesday, March 3.

Children under 12 years of age are entitled to free entry when accompanied by an adult.

Day junior tickets for kids aged between 12 and 17 years of age are €10 (season ticket €25), while students aged between 18 and 24 with valid ID, and over 65s, can buy concession tickets.

The latter cost €15 for Thursday and Friday, €20 for Saturday and Sunday (€60 for a season). Parking access can be purchased for €5 per day, or €10 to cover all five days.

The only official sales channel to purchase tickets is via ticketing platform Eventbrite by clicking here.

The resale of Dubai Duty Free Irish Open tickets on unofficial platforms contravenes the European Tour’s ticket terms and conditions and render the tickets void.

Official hospitality tickets are also available on the ticketing page, or by calling the Euorpean Tour sales team on (01344) 840681.

The post World No 1 McIlroy confirms entry for Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Mount Juliet appeared first on Golf North.

Graeme McDowell was delighted this month’s Saudi International victory got him back in the world’s top 50 for the first time in five years – and a start in the WGC-Mexico Championship.
Picture by GETTY IMAGES

GRAEME McDowell tees it up in his first World Golf Championships event since 2016 at the WGC-Mexico Championship this week.

And the Northern Irishman is excited about the challenge of taking on a new course, at Chapultec Golf Club.

McDowell said: “I’ve played a lot of WGCs in my career and I think you do take them for granted a little. They are amazing tournaments when you get the best players from all over the world to come together here in Mexico.

“It’s the first time seeing the golf course for me and it’s a great track, reminds me a little of Valderrama – and obviously you’ve got the altitude so the ball goes a long way. But I’m excited to be back in these WGC events.

“It’s important for me, if I have aspirations of being in the Ryder Cup team, that I’ve got to be in the WGCs and Major Championships.

“So it’s really important to take that first step, to get my schedule to where it needs to be and hopefully I can kick on from here.

“We’re here to do a job this week. This is certainly not some icing on the cake from the win out in Saudi Arabia.

“This is about kicking on into the rest of the season and using these events as platforms to get where I want to be.”

Thirty-nine-year-old GMac claimed his 11th European Tour title at the Saudi International, earlier this month.

It was his first victory on the tour in six years and one which moved him inside the top 50 of the Official World Golf Rankings for the first time in five years.

That in turn earned him a place in the field for this week’s WGC-Mexico Championship, and McDowell – who will host this year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in May – is not taking it lightly as he strives to reach his goal of a return to the European Ryder Cup team in September.

Another Irishman targeting a place in Padraig Harrington’s side is Open Champion and a former World Golf Championships winner Shane Lowry, who returns to action after a two-week break.

Lowry is playing his first WGC since claiming the Claret Jug, having missed the Fedex St Jude Invitational while celebrating his Open win at Royal Portrush,

A refreshed Lowry, who claimed the WGC Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone, in 2015, said: “I’ve had a nice couple of weeks off.

“I had four weeks in a row at the start of the year so it’s a long four weeks when it’s the first run of the year.

“I felt like I played OK in Dubai and Saudi and I’m happy to be over here now, in Mexico this week and in the USA for the next couple of months.

“Hopefully I can put in a few good performances,” said Shane.

“Obviously I’ve won a WGC before so it’s nice and it’s a very tricky golf course here this week in Mexico.

“It’s going to take a lot of good golf to do well here, so we’ll see how it goes.

“I wouldn’t be overly optimistic but I never usually am and I try to come in under the radar and do my thing for the week.

“Hopefully I can pop up on the leaderboard come Saturday afternoon and give it a run on Sunday.”

Kinhult ready for WGC debut

Betfred British Masters winner Marcus Kinhult at Hillside GC, in May

MARKUS Kinhult, meanwhile, is one of 11 European Tour members making their debut in Mexico, and one of two – alongside Benjamin Hebert – to be playing in a World Golf Championships event for the first time.

Swede Kinhult, who won the Betfred British Masters at Hillside, in May, said: “I think it will be a lot of fun this week.

“Obviously I’ve been looking forward to this event since I got in. It’s my first WGC so playing against these guys is nice, to see where your game is at and how you can compete.

“I came here earlier than normal, late Saturday so I had Sunday to just walk around and get to know the place a little bit.

“I played the course, did my numbers and did my drills as I always do on every tournament week so it’s not too different.

“I’m happy to be here at 23, that’s nice, but my goals are set higher long term and I’m just trying to reach the next level and improve every day.

“But I’m happy with the progression so far and I look forward to what comes next,” who announced his potential when winning the Lytham Trophy by eight shots in 2015.

The teeanger, who played in the Summer Olympics for Sweden in 2014, led the Nordea Masters after 36 holes a month after his win at Royal Lythyam.

The son of a golf pro, who was a junior member at the same Swedish club where Berkshire’s Barry Lane and fellow European Tour member Joel Sjöholm are members, turned pro later in 2015.

But the Junior Ryder Cup player only made two cuts in his first season on Tour in 2016, having earned his card at the European Tour Qualifying School, at Spain’s PGA de Catalunya.

•For tee times in the WGC-Mexico Championship, click here.

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Shane Lowry is the second big name to sign up for the Irish Open which Graeme McDowell will host at Kilkenny’s Mount Juliet, over the late May Bank Holiday weekend.

SHANE Lowry will make his first appearance on home soil since claiming his maiden Major title at the 2019 Open Championship, as he seeks a second Irish Open title, in May.

The World No. 16 will target a second Rolex Series title, when Mount Juliet Estate hosts the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open on May 28-31, 2020.

The Offaly player is expected to receive a hero’s welcome at Mount Juliet in May – where Saudi International winner Graeme McDowell assumes the mantle as tournament host.

Lowry will be aiming to become only the second Irishman to win the island of Ireland’s national open on multiple occasions, after Harry Bradshaw (1947 and 1949).

The 32-year-old lifted the Claret Jug in front of the delirious home crowds at Royal Portrush Golf Club, in July.

His fist Major confirmed his status as an Irish sporting legend. It was Lowry’s second victory of a career-defining season, which also included a maiden Rolex Series title at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship earlier in the year.

“I can’t wait to tee it up in front of my home crowds at Mount Juliet in May,” said Lowry, who famously won his home open as an amateur in 2009.

“It’s always such an honour to play in front of the Irish fans and they have always been so supportive of me.

“They played such a massive part in my win at Portrush last July, so teeing up as Open champion at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will be a great moment.

“With Graeme hosting the event – I know he’s keen to build on the momentum in Irish golf at the moment – and the fact it will be the May Bank Holiday weekend in Ireland, I think it’s going to make for an incredible festival atmosphere at Mount Juliet, much like Lahinch last year.

“I am honestly so excited for it,” said Shane, who was one of the first players to greet McDowell as he reached the scorer’s hut at the Royal Greens & Country Club, after his superb Saudia Arabian triumph, on Sunday.

Lowry joins World No. 3 Jon Rahm as the second superstar to be officially confirmed for the 2020 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, where the Spanish talent will defend his title.

Rahm will target a third victory in the historic national open having triumphed at Lahinch Golf Club, in 2019.

Mount Juliet Estate already boasts a prestigious list of winners after a three-year stint of hosting the event – with Sir Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer and Sam Torrance winning there in 1993, 1994 and 1995 respectively.

And Rahm will be hoping to join another prestigious list this May as he seeks his third Irish Open win in four years, having picked up his first at Portstewart, in Northern Ireland, in 2017.

Mount Juliet’s luxury five-star resort in Kilkenny also hosted Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf in 1997, a challenge match between Tom Watson and Fred Couples.

It was won by the latter, and was also the venue for the WGC-American Express Championship in 2002 and 2004 – won by Tiger Woods and Ernie Els respectively.

Early bird tickets offer cheaper prices for fans heading to Irish Open in late May

EARLY bird ticket prices for the 2020 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open begin at €13 for the Wednesday pro-am day, with Thursday and Friday day tickets available for a special price of €23.

Saturday and Sunday tickets beginning at €27. Fans can enjoy five days of world-class golf and entertainment for only €83 if they purchase their early bird season tickets before March 3.

Children under 12 years of age are entitled to free entry when accompanied by an adult.

Day junior tickets for those between 12 and 17 years of age are €10 (€25 for a season ticket) while students aged between 18 and 24 with valid student cards, and over 65s, can avail themselves of a discounted ticket.

They cost €15 for Thursday and Friday, €20 for Saturday and Sunday (€60 for a season). Parking access can be purchased for €5 per day, or €10 for a season parking ticket which covers all five days.

The only official sales channel to purchase tickets for this year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is via the ticketing platform Eventbrite.

The resale of Dubai Duty Free Irish Open tickets on unofficial platforms contravenes the European Tour’s ticket terms and conditions and such sales render the ticket void.

Official hospitality tickets are also available on the ticketing page, or alternatively contact the European Tour’s dedicated hospitality sales team by calling (01344) 840681.

The post Lowry wants second Irish Open title at Mount Juliet but Rahm’s ready for a third appeared first on Golf North.

Graeme McDowell claimed is 11th European Tour victory with a two-shot win over Dustin Johnson the defending champion in the Saudi International. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

GRAEME McDowell showed the kind of determination which helped GMac become a Major Champion as he claimed his first European Tour win in six years at the second Saudi International.

The Northern Irelander, who grew up playing links golf at Portrush, battled to a final round 70 to pick up a cheque for €529,337 – and a victory that propelled him back into the top 50 of the Official World Golf Rankings.

McDowell, who won in the Dominican Republic on the PGA Tour last year – having languished as far down as 238th on the OWGR at the end of 2018 – finished on 12-under par at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club.

That was two shots clear of defending champion Dustin Johnson, and good enought to claim his 11^th European Tour title – and first since the 2014 Open de France – a wait of 2,037 days.

An emotional McDowell, who is now ranked 47th in the world, said: “I didn’t realise it had been quite that long since I’d won here in Europe.

“I’m very excited. I’m very relieved. This is a difficult golf course,” said the former Rathmore Golf Club junior, who won six times in his final year at the University of Alabama, back in 2002.

The player known as GMac around the world added: “It’s unusual to win feeling as uncomfortable as I did on a lot of these holes because it was a tough golf course these last two days, especially with tough conditions.

“The birdies on 14 and 15 were just huge at the time, and it was nice to have a that little cushion coming down the last couple.

“My big goal this year was to be back in the Top 50 in the world, back competing in the big tournaments,” said McDowell, who was last guaranteed starts in the four Majors, back in 2015 at the US Open.

“I’m very excited that it’s happened a little faster than I expected, but hopefully it’s laying some foundations down for having a big year,” said the European player, who holed the winning putt in the 2010 Ryder Cup, at Celtic Manor.

“I really feel like I’m moving in the right direction, and it’s weeks like this that really give that you which I can additional effect and hopefully I can use it,” added McDowell, who was captured on TV calling his children as he walked to the scorer’s hut after holing the winning putt in Saudi.

“It’s been 10 years since I won a US Open, 10 years probably since I played the best golf of my life.

“I feel like I’m moving back in the right direction. I’ve got my head around what I’m trying to do with the swing and what I’m trying to do with the golf ball again, thanks to Kevin Kirk, who I started working with last August – and Pete Cowen, who has been by my side for many, many years.

“Kenny on the bag there – I have a solid team. Life’s settled down. I’ve got a great wife and great family.

“I’m very happy with what’s going on in my life right now. I feel like the pond, the ripples in the pond have kind of steadied out a little bit now, and I’m in a good place to play some good golf.”

And while McDowell admits wanting to impress his young children is a major motivation for his charge back up the world rankings, he acknowledged competing on Tour today takes even more than it did at his peak a decade ago.

Graeme, who began the week at 104th in the OWGR, said: “There’s so many great players in the world now.

“I’ve got young kids at home, and I want them to see me out there. I want to show them that dad’s tough. Dad can still do it.

“I didn’t want them to have to pull up YouTube videos,” said GMac.

“I’m really happy with the direction I’m moving with my game. Massive to have weeks like this.”

Graeme McDowell tees off on the 17th hole on his way to victory in the Saudi International at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

GMac held off Dubuisson & Johnson

FORTY-year-old McDowell, who won the 2010 US Open, at Pebble Beach, held a one-shot overnight lead over his 2014 Ryder Cup partner Victor Dubuission going into Sunday’s final round.

But GMac bogeyed the opening hole, and after a scrappy front nine the pair reached the turn tied at the top of the leaderboard.

McDowell birdied the eight hole and bogeyed the ninth, while Dubuisson birdied the third and fifth, but dropped shots at the fourth and sixth.

Frenchman Dubuisson could not mount a challenge after the turn though, carding a four-over par back nine of 39 in his round of 74 – to finish tied sixth on seven-under.

Instead, the main threat came from inaugural Saudi International winner Johnson, who eagled the final hole for a round of 67 to post the clubhouse target of 10-under, while Belgian Thomas Pieters signed for a 65 and a nine-under total earlier, after missing eagle attempt on the last.

McDowell bounced back from a bogey on 13^th hole with back-to-back birdies on the 14th and 15th holes.

The four-time Ryder Cup player took a two-shot lead down the last and despite leaving his third shot short of the green from a greenside bunker, he made par to claim a memorable victory.

He became the second Ryder Cup player in his 40s to win during the Middle East swing after Lee Westwood’s Rolex Series victory in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship two weeks ago.

And thankfully, the controversy of Friday’s second round, when GMac was given a formal slow play warning after taking part in an on-course interview with Sky Sports’ Tim Barter – a second slow time would have cost him an automatic one-shot penalty under the European Tour’s new policy – did not come back to haunt him over the weekend.

Johnson finished runner-up while Pieters shared third place with five-time Major champion Phil Mickelson, who closed with a 67 and Malaysia’s Gavin Green, who had been second with 36 holes to play, having shared the first-round lead with McDowell.

Johnson rues problems putting in the wind

DUSTIN Johnson’s recovery from his knee surgery last summer continued in the Middle East.

But the former World No. 1 admitted he could have pushed GMac harder in his defence of the Saudi crown.

Johnson, who won the US Open in 2016, said: “It was another day where it could have been a lot better. I’m happy with the way I’m playing.

“It was difficult to putt, though. It was really hard to make putts. I hit a lot of really good shots, and really good chances for birdie.

“You know, when you’ve got a left-to-right slope and you’re playing it outside the right, it’s tough.

“I was still missing them left. It was just hard to judge how much the wind was actually going to move the ball.

“I’m pleased with the way I played, but I would have liked to give Graeme a little more pressure coming down the stretch.

“I had some really good chances. I missed a real short one on 13, a close one on 14, 15, and 17.

“I had all the chances, but I did finally make a nice putt on 18 to finish.”

•For full results at the Saudi International click here.

The post GMac shows grit that got him back into world’s top 50 with victory in the sands of Saudi appeared first on Golf North.

The pair, who have fond memories of living together at the University of New Mexico, will go head-to-head in the final group in Saturday’s third round, with pacesetter Perez one shot clear of his old college friend.

“I am very pleased the with the second round. I think it was important to keep the hammer down after obviously a 65 in the wind yesterday.

“I think they were definitely the tougher conditions, and it’s one of those days where you hope to stay a couple under.

Perez, who is based in Dundee where his girlfriend is studying, has proved very adept at links golf after his spell living in Scotland.

“I was able to play really well yesterday, and obviously coming out this morning,” said 27-year-old Perez.

“This is the round where you have to try to take as much advantage as you can and put some points on the board.

“Obviously I’m in a very good position for tomorrow,” said the rising star of French golf and the European Tour.

And recalling his time on the New Mexico team, Perez said: “We were roommates in college for four years and we are obviously very close.

“He played very well yesterday and I’m looking forward to playing together. Being on Tour together makes it really easy to catch up.

“He’s a great talent and he has been coming up and a long time so it’s only a matter of time before he breaks through.”

Perez – who claimed the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews back in September, posted his second consecutive round of 65 to move to 10-under par,

Meanwhile Malaysia’s Green carded a round of 67 for a nine-under total at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club.

Green was looking forward to playing with his old college team-mate.

“Playing with Victor tomorrow, I think it will be fun,” said Green. “It’s just like college days again. We’ve been friends since college and it will be great fun.

“I’m sure we will talk about some stuff. It’s been a couple years. I think played with him probably last year, so it’s been a while. I know he’s been playing really good. Just have fun with him tomorrow.

“I’m excited just to be in the mix. I’ve been there a couple times and just try to put myself in the position a couple more times and see what happens.”

McDowell rolling back the years

FORMER US Open Champion Graeme McDowell, who shared the first round lead with Green, is a shot further back on eight-under.

The 40-year-old, who claimed his sole Major at Pebble Beach 10 years ago, added a round of 68 having been joint leader with Green on six-under, on Thursday.

McDowell said: “It’s always hard to come out right after a good round like I shot yesterday and try and keep the pedal down.

“I felt like I played pretty loose today. It was obviously better conditions this morning.

“I three-putted the 11th – my second hole of the morning – which sort of derailed me a little bit.

“I continued to hit fairways which is key on this golf course. I hit some really quality iron shots.

“I think the back nine in particular is quite difficult on this course,” added McDowell, whose last win on the European Tour came in his successful defence of his French Open title, at Le Paris National, in 2014.

McDowell was not thinking about winning after making a slow start to round two, but is pushing to be in the mix come Sunday.

“It was tough to get going,” GMac added. “A couple of birdies on the front were very pleasing and it was nice to hang in there coming in.

“All in all, very happy the way I hit the ball today and looking forward to being in position going into this weekend.

Defending champion Dustin Johnson signed for a round of 68 and is five shots back in a share of eighth place on five-under.

•For live scoring and to follow the head-to-head between Victor Perez and Gavin Green in the Saudi International, click here.

The post Victor Perez to play with old New Mexico University team- mate Gavin Green in Saudi appeared first on Golf North.

Graeme McDowell produced an excellent 64 thanks to three closing birdies in a row to share the first round lead in the Saudi International. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

FORMER US Open champion Graeme McDowell birdied his final three holes to take a share of the lead with Malaysia’s Gavin Green after the opening round of the Saudi International.

The Northern Ireland ace, who holed the winning putt at the 2010 Ryder Cup, also birdied four consecutive holes from the second in a superb six-under par round of 64.

The 40-year-old based in Florida, who grew up playing links golf around Portrush, battled the increasingly windy afternoon conditions at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, to catch the early leader at the top of the leaderboard.

McDowell, who has nine other European Tour titles, including back-to-back French Opens in 2013 and 2014 – the last time he won this side of the Atlantic – was delighted with his start.

“I got off to a fast start which was huge, before the wind got up,” said McDowell, who was almost upstaged by playing partner Phil Mickelson’s nine birdies.

“It was inevitable out here in the Middle East – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Saudi is similar – in that you get flat-calm mornings, but you know it’s going to blow in the afternoon.

“It was nice to get out of there with six-under par because I felt like I played great today.

“It would have been a horrible round to let get away,” added McDowell, who has seen Ryder Cup team-mate Lee Westwood become the second most successful player in his 40s on the European Tour, after his win in Abu Dhabi, which also propelled him to the top of the Race to Dubai rankings.

“But to finish birdie, birdie, birdie was nice, just feeding off Phil finishing with seven birdies on the back nine,” added Graeme McDowell, who played with three-time Masters winner Mickelson.

“It was Phil the thrill out there,” said GMac. “It was fun to watch him and fun to play with him.”

Five-time Major winner Mickelson bounced back from a double bogey on the second hole, posting nine birdies and three more bogeys in a characteristically entertaining round of 66.

The American is two shots back in a share of eighth position on four-under par, while compatriot and pre-tournament favourite Dustin Johnson, the defending champion, is a further shot back after opening with a 67 to sit on three-under.

Mickelson, who turns 50 in June, two days before the start of the 2020 US Open, said: “It was a great back nine.

“Part of the challenge for me is that I feel like I’ve been playing well but mentally I haven’t been as sharp.

“I haven’t been visualising and I haven’t been seeing the shot clear,” said the San Diego legend, who has 44 victories on the PGA Tour to his name, only second behing Tiger Woods, among current players across the world.

“It was certainly evident early in the round where I made a couple of shots that weren’t that hard that I made difficult.” added Mickelson.

“But the back nine, things really started to come together. Meaning I hit a lot of good shots.

“I started making the putts, and made a lot of birdies, and it was just a good back nine that gave me a good chance heading into tomorrow.

“I feel like my game is a lot sharper than I’ve been scoring, so it was nice having that back nine.

“Going into tomorrow’s round with hopefully less wind in the morning, I can get off to a good, aggressive start and see if I can continue making birdies.

“I feel like I can,” said Mickelson, who won the 2013 Open at Muirfield, a week after claiming the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart.

Green posted five birdies on the front nine and mixed three birdies with two bogeys after the turn to take the early clubhouse lead with the second wave of starters to come.

Green said: “I played solid. Only a few mistakes here and there, which is pretty normal.

“A couple of pretty big par saves, and a couple of mistakes, a couple of three-putts, which was tough to take in because I was playing well and I was playing solid.

“Just a couple slipped off. You know, it’s the nature of the game,” said 26-year-old Green, who has just one Asian Tour win under his belt.

“You just have to live with it and move on, and that’s what we did. We closed off strong, birdied 16, 17. Had a look at 18.

“Had a nasty little lip-out but it is what it is. I’ll take it, added the 2017 Taiwan Masters winner now in his third full year on the European Tour.

Swedes Stenson and Soderberg’s Saudi shift

SWEDEN’S Henrik Stenson, a Ryder Cup team mate of Graeme McDowell and a fellow Major Champion, is part of a five-way share of third place on five-under par,

Stenson is alongside compatriot Sebastian Soderberg, Spain’s Adri Arnaus, France’s Victor Perez and Venezuela’s PGA Tour winner Jhonattan Vegas.

Stenson said: “I attributed most of it to the putting today. It was still a struggle off the tee at times and the rough is pretty thick.

“I had to scramble well on a couple of holes, but the approach shots that were close I converted into birdies and kept it together nicely, so very pleased with that.”

•To follow live scoring during the second round of the Saudi International, click here.

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2020 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open host Graeme McDowell will be playing at Mount Juliet Estate in the Rolex Series event

MAJOR champion and Ryder Cup star Graeme McDowell will host the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open for the next two years – beginning at Mount Juliet Estate, in May.

The 40-year-old succeeds Rory McIlroy and, latterly, Paul McGinley as tournament host of the historic event.

His stint will begin at the iconic County Kilkenny venue, which hosts the island of Ireland’s national open for the first time in 25 years from May 28-31, 2020, while the 2021 venue is yet to be confirmed.

Former Ryder Cup captain McGinley hosted what was regarded as a hugely successful edition at Lahinch Golf Club last year following McIlroy’s four-year stint as host,.

During that time the tournament flourished, becoming part of the European Tour’s prestigious Rolex Series in 2017.

McDowell is now looking forward to building on these strong foundations over the next two years.

The 2020 Irish Open will become the second Rolex Series event of the year when it returns to Ireland, although McDowell would love to host the event in Northern Ireland in another 12 months’ time.

“It’s a huge privilege to have the opportunity to host the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in both 2020 and 2021,” said Portrush native McDowell.

“The event has gone from strength to strength over the last few years with the support of Dubai Duty Free and the efforts of Rory and Paul as hosts, alongside everybody at the European Tour.

“I’m really looking forward to taking on that responsibility over the next two years and adding to the history of this great tournament, which has become a global spectacle that Irish golf fans can be proud of.

“Our island is famous for its incredible golf courses and passionate golf fans, both north and south of the border, and obviously I would love to bring the event to Northern Ireland in 2021.

“But my focus now is on next year at Mount Juliet Estate and making sure that is another world-class sporting occasion.”

McDowell’s two-year spell as host of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will be another significant entry in his already-impressive CV.

He has won 10 times on the European Tour including the 2010 US Open at Pebble Beach – when he famously became the first European winner in 40 years.

Later that year he claimed the winning point in Europe’s 14½-13½ victory in the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor.

McDowell has played four times overall in the biennial contest, winning nine points, while he was a vice-captain for the first time under Thomas Bjørn at Le Golf National last year.

Colm McLoughlin, chief executive of Dubai Duty Free, said: “We are very pleased Graeme McDowell will take on the role of host for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open for 2020 and 2021.

“Graeme has always proved himself to be a wonderful sports person who can perform and compete at the highest levels.

“His vast experience and talent will no doubt further grow the interest among both players and fans in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

“Mount Juliet will be a magnificent venue for 2020, it is a stunning parkland course and is often referred to as a ‘great spectator course’ by fans.

“We are looking forward to working with Graeme and the European Tour over the coming months and wish him the best of luck in his work.”

Damien Gaffney, director of Tetrarch – the owners of Mount Juliet Estate – said: “We are delighted with the announcement that Graeme McDowell will be our host here next year and it will be a pleasure to welcome Graeme back to the estate.

“Graeme has played our course previously during the 2004 American Express Championship, and now to welcome him as host of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is fantastic news and we really hope he enjoys the overall experience.

“To have a Major champion such as Graeme hosting this wonderful event is an honour for all of us here at Mount Juliet Estate.”

European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley said: “We were delighted when Graeme expressed the desire to host the Dubai Duty Irish Open for the next two years.

“Not only is he a Major champion and Ryder Cup legend, but he is also a terrific ambassador for our game.

“I am certain that he will enjoy the role of host and he will be a great success in it, building on the work of Rory and Paul.

“Having Graeme as host for the next two years allows us to plan and maximise the many opportunities that exist across Ireland for both editions.”

Tiger Woods and Ernie Els won WGC-American Express title at Mount Juliet

MOUNT Juliet previously hosted three consecutive editions of the Irish Open from 1993-95 – won respectively by Sir Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer and Sam Torrance.

The luxury five-star resort also hosted Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf in 1997, a challenge match between Tom Watson and Fred Couples, won by the latter.

The World Golf Championship’s American Express Championship was held there in 2002 and 2004 – with Tiger Woods and Ernie Els winning respectively.

Early bird ticket prices for the 2020 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open begin at €13 for the Wednesday pro-am day, with Thursday and Friday day tickets available for a special price of €23.

Saturday and Sunday tickets begin at €27. Fans can enjoy five days of world-class golf and entertainment for only €83 if they purchase their early bird season tickets before March 3.

Children under 12 years of age are entitled to free entry when accompanied by an adult. Day junior tickets for those aged between 12 and 17 years of age are €10 (€25 for a season ticket) while students aged between 18 and 24, and over 65s, can buy concession tickets at €15 for Thursday and Friday, €20 for Saturday and Sunday (€60 for a season ticket).

Parking access can be purchased for €5 per day, or €10 for a season ticket which covers all five days.

Official tickets can be found online at Eventbrite by clicking here. The resale of tickets on unofficial platforms will render the ticket void. the European Tour warns.

Official hospitality tickets are also available on the ticketing page, or by contacting the European Tour’s sales team on (01344) 840681 or by emailing hospitality@europeantour.com

The post Graeme McDowell to host 2020 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Mount Juliet Estate appeared first on Golf North.

Matt Kuchar is currently top of the Fed Ex rankings on the PGA Tour and returns to Scotland to defend his Hero Challenge Open before the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club, in North Berwick, on Tuesday night. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

MATT Kuchar is back to defend his Hero Challenge title after confirming he will tee it up for the second time in the fast and fun night golf contest in Scotland tomorrow (Tuesday).

The Hero Challenge is the curtain raiser for the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open at North Berwick’s Renaissance Club, which borders the famous Muirfield links.

Kuchar will defend his title against Hero Challenge debutant at two-time European Tour winner Lucas Bjerregaard, and the returning Matt Fitzpatrick, who played in his first Hero Challenge in 2017.

Denmark’s Lucas Bjerregard was knocked out of the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play in the semi-finals at Austin, Texas, in March. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

The trio join Major winners Graeme McDowell and Justin Thomas and 2018 Ryder Cup star Tyrrell Hatton in the exhilarating event, which will be held in the stunning surroundings of the par three 15th hole at the Tom Doak-designed Renaissance Club.

Kuchar, who currently leads the US PGA Tour rankings made his first Hero Challenge appearance ahead of last year’s Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open, defeating compatriot Charley Hoffman in the final.

The American has enjoyed a strong start to the season in the United States, winning the Sony Open in Hawaii and recording two additional runner-up finishes.

He will be reunited with Dane Bjerregaard, who famously defeated Tiger Woods in the quarter-finals at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play earlier this season, going on to finish fourth after facing Kuchar in the semi-finals.

Yorkshire-raised Fitzpatrick adds further star power to the field and arrives in Scotland after coming close to his sixth title in just his fifth year on the European Tour, finishing runner-up at the BMW International Open last month.

The Hallamshire member, who won the Selborne Salver, at Hampshire’s Blackmoor GC, as an amateur 12 months before winning the 2013 US Amateur Championship, made his Hero Challenge debut in 2017 ahead of the British Masters at Close House.

Fitzpatrick
Matt Fitzpatrick is one of six players to line-up for the 2019 Hero Challenge in North Berwick, along with Graeme McDowell, Ian Poulter, Rickie Fowler. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

Successfully debuting on the European Tour at the British Masters in 2016, The Hero Challenge then took place at the British Masters, Scottish Open and DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, in 2017 and 2018.

Hero MotoCorp – the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters – has reaffirmed its commitment to innovation on the European Tour by extending the innovative event.

English star Tommy Fleetwood triumphed in the maiden Hero Challenge of 2019 at the Betfred British Masters in May, as the fast-paced shootout returned for a fourth season on the European Tour.

Fans can register for FREE tickets to see six of the world’s leading golfers battle it out for the second Hero Challenge title of the season at the Renaissance Club.

The Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open once again takes its place as part of the Rolex Series – the premium category of tournaments on the European Tour’s Race to Dubai, each with a minimum prize fund of $7 million.

Some of the world’s best golfers will tee it up at The Renaissance Club from July 11-14, including South Africa’s defending champion Brandon Stone, four-time Major Champion and current World No. 4 Rory McIlroy, Henrik Stenson who won the Open at Muirfield in 2016, Rickie Fowler who won the Scottish Open four years ago at nearby Gullane, and European Ryder Cup stalwart Ian Poulter.

To register for free tickets for the Hero Challenge click here . Fans can buy Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open tickets from £18 here.

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