McDowell's fast finish secures Wales win
BY Bruce Young | European PGA Tour | 2010 The Celtic Manor Resort Wales Open | Round Four | 07 Jun 2010
Graeme McDowell has won his 5th European Tour event after a whirlwind weekend at the Celtic Manor Wales Open catapulted the 30 year old Northern Irishman from a share of 27th at the completion of round two to a three shot victory.
McDowell’s 64 on Saturday and final round of 63 were enough to hold off yet another fast finisher in Rhys Davies who continues to impress in his rookie season. Davies moved within two of the leader when he raced to 10 under for the day through 15 holes before a bogey at the 16th cost him any chance of victory and a possible round of 59.
For Mc Dowell, his win follows a very good 4th place last week in Madrid and although he had not won in nearly two years until today he has done enough in season 2010 to be now on the edge of Ryder Cup selection.
Davies is another who now finds himself as a genuine chance to make the Ryder Cup team which of course will be played over this layout and in front of his home fans. He is a brilliant prospect and provided further proof of that this weekend. He has moved to 5th in the race to Dubai standings with just a tick under €1 million in his rookie season. There is a lot more to come it would appear.
Luke Donald did a good job in finishing third following his big week in Madrid last week. Like those ahead of him he too produced a big final round to move into contention. He appeared as if he might threaten those ahead of him when he picked up four shots in his first five holes in round four but was unable to maintain the momentum although his round of 65 was nevertheless very impressive. He finished two behind Davies.
Stephen Gallagher, Edoardo Molinari and Robert Rock tied for 4th one shot behind Donald while for Germany’s Marcel Siem finished alone in 7th after starting the final day in the lead.
The leading Australian was eventually Scott Hend in 34th position although Andrew Dodt had led after the second round before finishing 39th. New Zealander Danny Lee finished 46th.
The European Tour will now move to Portugal for this week’s Estoril Open de Portugal.
