McDowell says good friend McIlroy has outgrown him

Joy Chakravarty 13:16 24/09/2014
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  • Time for a change: McDowell would like to play with Victor Dubuisson this weekend.

    Graeme McDowell feels it is Rory McIlroy’s growing stature as the world’s No1 golfer that could put the death knell on their successful partnership in team events, rather than off-course issues.

    European captain Paul McGinley hinted on Monday he might break up the pair, and yesterday, both players went out in separate groups for their practice rounds.

    The 12-man team was split up into four groups of three, with McIlroy playing alongside Martin Kaymer and Sergio Garcia, while McDowell went out with Victor Dubuisson and Henrik Stenson.

    The Northern Irish duo has been regular partners in team events since 2009, including the Seve Trophy and the World Cup. They have played six times together in the Ryder Cup, and have a record of two wins, three losses and one half – not the most impressive of records despite the general perception in golfing circles.

    And although McDowell reiterated that the court case involving McIlroy and his former management company Horizon – which McDowell is leaving under far friendlier terms at the end of the year – had made their relationship stronger, he conceded things had changed on the course.

    “There’s no doubt our personal issues have been well documented the last couple of years,” said the world No18.

    “I believe we’ve both come out of the other end of that probably better friends than we were going into it. Our personal issues are not a problem this weekend, that’s a fact.

    “I think tactically, Rory and my golf dynamic has changed significantly from the first time we ever played together when perhaps there was the older brother-younger brother leadership role I had with him. That’s changed. 

    “He’s the world’s No1 player, he’s a four-time major champion. The dynamic between him and I has changed forever. He would now be the leader of the two of us and perhaps that dynamic doesn’t work as well as it did in the past.

    “Perhaps I am the kind of guy that needs that leadership role, or at least to feel on a level with the guy I am playing with.”

    McDowell felt if he is still paired with McIlroy, it would be in the foursomes rather than better ball.

    “At Medinah, Rory and I spoke about this, I found the better ball format very difficult with him because he likes to go first. I let him at it, and I kind of come second. You know, he’s standing there beating it 350 down the middle, and I put my tee in the ground thinking there’s not really a lot of point in me hitting this tee shot,” said McDowell.

    “It kind of didn’t help my game much at Medinah. Foursomes, I think, is different. I think we could still play foursomes really well together. I’d love playing off his tee shot, as anyone would, 350 down the middle works everywhere, every week, as he’s shown that lately.”

    And McDowell put up his hand to become a partner of Europe’s man of mystery, the shy and reclusive Victor Dubuisson.

    “I think I’m one of a few players that could fit the bill,” he added.

    “Victor, who, you know, I’ve heard him described as an enigma, and just a tough guy to kind of get your head around kind of what he’s thinking. Obviously, doesn’t lack talent.

    “His sort of relaxed mood, personality, could be confused with maybe intimidation and nervousness. I’ve kind of been trying to get close to him the last few months and spend a little time with him. He’s a great guy.

    “We do have a great team room this week with some dynamic personalities, and Victor I think can bring a huge amount to the team this week. I would love to play with him.”

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