The Open: Graeme McDowell misses qualifier after airline loses his clubs

Northern Irish

Northern Irish golfer’s equipment was
‘mishandled by Air France’

One-Minute Read

The Northern Irishman was travelling on an Air France flight
from Paris to Manchester when his clubs were “mishandled” by the
airline. McDowell had been competing in the French Open where he
finished in tied-37th.

The BBC
reports that McDowell’s withdrawal means he will now have to focus
on this week’s Irish Open and next week’s Scottish Open to secure
his place at the 2018 Open. Three spots are on offer at each
tournament.  

He wrote on Twitter
last night: “Need assistance from @airfrance. Flew into Manchester
last night from CDG and my golf clubs are untraceable. I have a 36
qualifier for @TheOpen and really need my bag. Thanks in advance.
#help.”

With no luck finding his clubs the Team Europe Ryder Cup vice-captain
then confirmed: “I have officially withdrawn from @TheOpen
qualifying at St Anne’s Old Links. I cannot give 100% without my
own equipment which has been mishandled by @AirFrance and must turn
my attention to @DDFIrishOpen this weekend. Thanks for all the
support.”

When asked why he couldn’t use another set of
clubs, he tweeted: “Lots of you wanting to know why I don’t grab a
set off the rack and give it my best shot to get in @TheOpen. Of
course I could do this, but wouldn’t be firing on all cylinders and
there are 6 spots up for grabs next 2 weeks at @DDFIrishOpen and
@ScottishOpen.”

The 147th Open Championship takes place at
Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland from 19-22 July.