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McIlroy and McDowell aim for World Cup glory

  • 19-08-2009 12:26pm
    #1
    PhilipMarlowe
    Subscribers Posts: 4,419 ✭✭✭


    http://www.europeantour.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7B5A258B31%2D8294%2D4C0E%2DB8B9%2DA796F6009E52%7D&newsid=6637961

    Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell are hoping to channel the energy of their off-course friendship into their partnership on the fairways at the Omega Mission Hills World Cup as they look to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the third time in the event’s illustrious history.

    The duo, respectively ranked 22nd and 45th on the Official World Golf Ranking and two of the games most explosive talents, are eager to take the same dynamic that has made them true friends outside the ropes to the Mission Hills Golf Club in China.

    McIlroy has enjoyed a meteoric rise through the ranks since turning professional in 2007, winning his maiden European Tour title at this year’s Dubai Desert Classic and posting some impressive results in golf’s Grand Slam events, including finishing tied third in the US PGA Championship last week – his best finish in a Major Championship. Upon accepting his chance to lead Ireland at the Omega Mission Hills World Cup, McIlroy had only one partner in mind.

    “It’s going to be fantastic playing with Graeme,” said 20 year old McIlroy. “He is one of my best friends on tour. Our caddies get on really well and room together most weeks. My Dad, Gerry, and Graeme’s Dad, Kenny, are going to come to China as well so it will be a great week and we will really enjoy it and give it a good go.

    “Our games complement each other a little bit - he’s short and straight and I am a bit long. I don’t know where it is going sometimes but I think it will be really good. I am really looking forward to it.”

    McDowell, who made a brilliant Ryder Cup debut last year after his successes at the 2008 Ballantine’s Championship and Barclays Scottish Open, certainly reciprocates those sentiments.

    McDowell, who turned 30 last month, said: "Nice to see Rory taking pity on an old guy! It’s exciting. We talked about the World Cup early in the season and Rory said he’d play it if I would play with him. Hopefully myself and Rory can have that type of relationship that Padraig Harrington had with Paul McGinley when they won the World Cup. Like Padraig and Paul, we know each other really well. Instead of being two players, we are two friends and we will make a good team.”

    McIlroy and McDowell will head to Mission Hills with the backing of Ireland’s three-time Major Champion Harrington, who, along with McGinley, was the last Irishman to win the Omega Mission Hills World Cup. Ireland first lifted the trophy in 1958 thanks to the partnership of Harry Bradshaw and Christy O’Connor.

    "I think Rory is wise,” said Harrington. “He is going out there as I have done for many years, with a friend. There is more to the World Cup than just sending out two golfers and Rory has made a good choice there with Graeme. They are well capable of winning it and the fact they are friends will give them all the more chance, just like myself and Paul McGinley when we won in 1997.”


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