McDowell: Fitness regime
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Graeme McDowell has hailed his new fitness regime for his impressive showing at the Maybank Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur this week.
The Ulsterman made light of trying, balmy conditions at the Kota Permai Golf and Country Club to follow his opening 66 with a 68 on Friday that leaves him just two strokes behind halfway leaders Nick Dougherty and Danny Chia.
The second round was held up for two hours by a weather delay with a thunderstorm hitting the course and with suffocating heat also to deal with, McDowell is delighted he chose to adopt a fitness regime over the past few months.
"It is hot out here but I was prepared for the heat," declared the former Walker Cup player, who enjoyed five top-ten finishes on the European Tour last year.
"I shed a stone the last three or four months before coming here so I am feeling good.
"That is one of my targets for this year, to slim down before I hit the 30 barrier next year.
"I am feeling great. It helps on weeks like this but it helps through the season more than anything.
"It helps my concentration and keeps my physical condition good throughout the year. There is a lot of travelling this year and you want to stay in peak condition, ready for the return to Europe and the meat and bones of the season."
McDowell went on to admit that conditions, tough as they have prove in Malaysia this week, could have proved considerably more unforgiving, adding: "I think we got lucky the first two days as it could have been a lot warmer.
"It was hotter earlier in the week and a little cooler now but it is still tough to keep your concentration.
"You've got to try and pace yourself and not hit too many balls after the round or do too much gym work."
