Somehow separated from his clubs on his flight from France to the UK, Graeme McDowell opted to withdraw from Open Championship local qualifying than play with a rented set.
“Terrible time of the year for holiday makers losing bags,” McDowell posted to Twitter. “I’m certainly not any more important than the next person who has lost a bag, just happens to impact my livelihood this week. Customer service is so frustrating in this case for everyone.”
I have officially withdrawn from @TheOpen qualifying tomorrow at St Anne’s Old Links.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.
— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) July 2, 2018
With six slots to be filled from the Irish and Scottish Opens, McDowell said he’d roll the dice that way.
“Have to start switching my brain to @DDFIrishOpen. @TheOpen spots there also,” McDowell wrote in part of another tweet.
Sent this guy @Jmjanaillac an email this morning, who I believe is the @airfrance CEO but got the cream pie. Maybe not a golfer. Frustrating one. Have to start switching my brain to @DDFIrishOpen. @TheOpen spots there also. Still need clubs!!!
— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) July 2, 2018
McDowell, the winner of the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, fell well short at Ballyliffin, with Ryan Fox, Andy Sullivan and Zander Lombard booking places.
Now it’s down to one week and three slots.
Over at The Greenbrier, four tickets were punched by Kelly Kraft, Brandt Snedeker, Jason Kokrak and Austin Cook. One slot remains available via the John Deere Classic.
Retief Goosen did earn a berth via local qualifying, grabbing the last of three slots awarded at Prince’s.
