Malaysian Open: Joint-leader Graeme McDowell delighted with strong start
Thursday 5 February 2015 15:43, UK
Graeme McDowell believes his game is starting to click after an opening-round 66 saw him share the Malaysian Open first-round lead.
The former US Open winner fired seven birdies during a six-under-par first round, to share the early lead with defending champion Lee Westwood.
McDowell is keen to build on last week's tied-ninth finish in Dubai and is pleased with the progress he is making.
“I’m pretty happy,” McDowell said. “I hit the ball great today, drove it well and gave myself a lot of looks for birdie.
“This morning I was really just trying to keep my emotions in check, not overreacting to any mistakes I’ve made. It’s really too hot to get mad out there.
“I did a lot of work off the course over the winter improving some things physically and in my swing, and things seem to be clicking really well.
“It’s early days, but I’m feeling relaxed and my attitude’s good. If I can continue that for the rest of the year then good things will happen."
Westwood looking to improve
Westwood carded virtually an identical round to McDowell, with the same number of birdies and his only blemish also a bogey at the par-four sixth.
The defending champion is looking for a third title in Kuala Lumpur after last year's seven-shot victory, but feels he could have posted an even lower first-round score.
“I played the par-fives okay, but didn’t take the chances and only played those in one under, so I’m hoping to do a little bit better on those tomorrow.
“Everything else was pretty good, my iron shots were pretty good, distance control was alright considering the conditions.
“Putted very nicely, left a couple short in the middle just fooled by the grain, but all in all I was very happy with the round."
Out of action
Early Race to Dubai leader Danny Willett's tournament was brought to a premature finish after he was forced to pull out with a back injury.
The 27-year-old carded four bogeys during an incompete three-over round, before eventually withdrawing after 12 holes.
Willett said on Twitter: "Well not how I intended things to go!! Couldn't rotate at all today with my back.. Tried it for a while before withdrawing.. Sorry all."
Watch day two of the Malaysian Open live from 5am on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf.
