McDowell shoots first round 69 at the U.S. Open

Portrush man is currently joint leader in the clubhouse

DECLAN O"KELLY,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Friday, June 19, 2009, 10:37 AM

Updated Thursday, July 23, 2009, 5:57 PM

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Graeme McDowell

Photo by PA Archive/PA Photos

Graeme McDowell’s consistent major form continued after a rain delayed start to the US Openat at Bethpage’s black course in Farmingdale, New York. The Ulsterman finished his first round on Friday morning with a very impressive one under par 69.

Teeing off on the back nine on Thursday morning, the Portrush man played seven holes before play was postponed for the day. The 29-year-old started a little nervously but rebounded well. A par on his first hole was followed by consecutive bogeys. However, three straight pars and a birdie meant he was well placed when rain stopped play.

The rest clearly did McDowell well as he came out today and birdied his first hole (the par 3 17^th) before a nice run of holes saw him card four pars and two birdies. A bogey on the 408 yard par 4 6^th stalled that momentum slightly, but solid two pars to finish out the round leaves McDowell in excellent shape ahead of second round play.