\n By John Haughey<\/span>
BBC Sport NI<\/span>
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<\/p>\n Graeme McDowell believes Rory McIlroy is ready to contend strongly at Augusta
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Graeme McDowell says he can contend at next week’s Masters<\/a> providing he can get a grip on a long game which has hindered him over the past month.<\/p>\n The US Open champion<\/a> described last week’s missed cut at Bay Hill<\/a> – which followed an opening 80 – as a “wake-up call” heading into the Augusta major.<\/p>\n “All of a sudden my long game has gone a little off the boil,” said McDowell.<\/p>\n “But if I can get myself in contention at the weekend, I know I have the ability to do the job.”<\/p>\n After struggles around the greens led to a missed cut at last year’s Masters, McDowell vowed to improve his short game ahead of the 2011 event.<\/p>\n “I’ve worked so hard on my short game and largely got that sorted but then started to have some trouble with the long game.<\/p>\n “But after Bay Hill, I had the Saturday off and worked pretty hard on the Sunday and the Monday and then went to Augusta on Tuesday and hit the ball much better there.”<\/p>\n McDowell headed to Augusta from his Florida base by private jet early on Tuesday morning with Ian Poulter <\/a>and Henrik Stenson.<\/p>\n “Myself and Ian also took our Dads with us and we had a great day.<\/p>\n My memories of Augusta so far are not particularly outstanding<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \tGraeme McDowell<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n “In terms of the short game, it was a kind of a waste of time because the course wasn’t really up to tournament speed but the day was a bit of a reconnaissance mission and reminding yourself of the shape of the grain and the way the place plays.<\/p>\n “We played 18 holes and after a club sandwich went out for another nine.”<\/p>\n McDowell recalls a “deer in the headlights experience” Masters debut in 2005 when Ben Crenshaw’s<\/a> artistry on the greens showed him how much he had to learn about the imposing Georgia venue.<\/p>\n “I remember feeling very lost on the greens,” added McDowell, whose best Masters finish is his 17th from 2009.<\/p>\n “All in all, my memories of Augusta (from three visits) so far are not particularly outstanding.<\/p>\n “Last year, I didn’t have the confidence around the greens but I’ve been working hard on my short game this year and I like what I saw on Tuesday.<\/p>\n “I feel like my short game is getting to the point where I can go in with a bit of confidence.<\/p>\n “In the past, I’ve been a little scared to miss greens in the wrong place. I really wasn’t sure whether I had the short-game skills to get the ball into a position, where I could make bogey but I feel like I’m learning all the time.”<\/p>\n McDowell insists that having a major under his belt won’t lead to any added pressure at this year’s Masters.<\/p>\n McDowell believes defending champion Phil Mickelson will again challenge strongly at Augusta “I’m going into Augusta very relaxed and with zero expectations.<\/p>\n “I’m really trying to enjoy the week and play the golf course as well as I can.<\/p>\n “I know if I play my best, I’ve got a chance.”<\/p>\n More by accident than design, McDowell’s recent swing troubles could even turn out to be a blessing in disguise in Georgia<\/a>.<\/p>\n McDowell’s ball flight has developed into a draw in recent weeks as some “old swing faults” have threatened to return but the right to left shape tends to suit the Masters venue.<\/p>\n “My natural shape is back to being a four or five yard draw off the tee. This time last year it was a four or five yard cut.<\/p>\n “I was a little bit worried about the tee shots at two, 10 and 13 but having played them on Tuesday, I can hit the draw off those tees with my normal shot.<\/p>\n “My backswing is is probably not as good as it was last year in terms of keeping club neutral\/open.<\/p>\n “I’ve always had a tendency to get a little bit closed on the way back.”<\/p>\n Augusta really suits left handers<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \tGraeme McDowell<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n As regards other contenders, McDowell is tipping his Northern Irish compatriot Rory McIlroy<\/a>, Bubba Watson<\/a> and defending champion Phil Mickelson<\/a> to contend strongly.<\/p>\n “I honestly believe Rory is ready for a big week.<\/p>\n “He drives the ball unbelievably which is key. If he can get hot with the putter, I think he will have a great week.<\/p>\n “I played with Bubba at Bay Hill last week and he impressed the hell out of me.<\/p>\n “He’s moving the ball from left to right and drives it so well and I think Augusta really suits left handers.<\/p>\n “And if I was to pick one of the big guns, Mickelson looks like his game is simmering nicely.<\/p>\n “He prepares so well for the major championships and was there on Tuesday with (his short game coach) Dave Pelz working on the greens.<\/p>\n “Phil will come as well prepared as anyone.”<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n\n
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