McDowell back in the saddle

Graeme McDowell and is caddie Ken Comboy. Picture Eoin Clarke www.golffile.ieGraeme McDowell avoided his sixth missed cut in 10 events when he blasted a sensational seven under 65 in the second round of the RBC Canadian Open.

With three wins already this year, McDowell was keen to bounce back from his disappointing weekend in The Open with a big week at Glen Abbey.

He showed his frustrations with his game as he opened with a four over 76 but stormed back on Friday, firing an eagle, six birdies and just one bogey in a 65 to move up to 42nd place on three under.

That’s still a whopping 10 strokes behind Hunter Mahan, who birdied his last three holes for an eight-under-par 64 and a two shot lead over compatriot John Merrick

Merrick had set the clubhouse lead with an 11-under 133 after an impressive 10-under 62, including an eagle and eight birdies.

But Mahan started well with birdies at two three, four, 11 and 13 before finishing with gains at each of the last three holes to claim a two-shot advantage.

Bubba Watson lies in third place on nine-under after improving his opening 68 by one shot, while a pair of 68s have put Patrick Reed on eight-under.

Australian Aaron Baddeley also posted two rounds of 68 so far and Tommy Gainey’s eight-under 64 saw him surge up to sixth alongside Chris Kirk, who is also on seven under.

Overnight leader Brendan Steele had a dismal day as his 75 knocked him back to four under, while Luke Donald missed the cut by one after a one-under 71 left him on level par.