McDowell clings to 1-shot lead
Print Edition
THE momentum at the HSBC Champions in Shanghai belongs to US Open champion Martin Kaymer and Masters champion Bubba Watson.
The lead still belongs to Graeme McDowell.
And the mystery is Hiroshi Iwata, the journeyman from Japan and a surprise guest among major champions atop the leaderboard yesterday in the final World Golf Championship of the year.
McDowell ducked in from the cold, gray afternoon at Sheshan International and wrapped his hand around a warm cup of coffee. He did not look the least bit worried after watching a four-shot lead dwindle to one over the final eight holes. “Let’s be honest. Yes, I had a three-shot lead overnight and it’s only one now,” the Northern Irishman said after his 1-under 71. “But I’ll take this position any week that you offer it to me — a one-shot lead going into the last round on a golf course that I enjoy. Looking forward to the opportunity tomorrow.”
Even so, he was under no illusions of the test that awaits him today.
McDowell was at 11-under 205, one shot ahead of Iwata, who made a long, curling birdie putt on the par-5 18th for a 68, and two shots ahead of Kaymer and Watson.
McDowell knows all about the history of Kaymer at Sheshan, how the German made nine birdies over the last 12 holes to win the HSBC Champions in 2011. Kaymer zoomed into contention yesterday with seven birdies in a round of 66 and will play in the last group.
As for Watson, he hit a long iron for his second shot at the par-5 eighth that nearly went in for an albatross, only to miss the 4-foot eagle attempt. His big gaffe was a wedge on the 10th that caught a plugged lie in the bunker, followed by a three-putt from 40 feet for double bogey. He three-putted the 17th late in the round. But he also ran off four birdies over the last five holes for a 69 and joined Kaymer at 9-under 207.
And what to make of Iwata?
McDowell had never heard of him until yesterday. He had never seen him until looking at one swing as Iwata played in the group ahead. “It seems that Japan is kind of in a purple patch producing great young players,” McDowell said. “He seems like a nice kid. But genuinely, I’ve never heard of him.”
Perhaps the reason Iwata, 33, is not as well known as the other Japanese players is that he has only one victory in 10 years as a professional — and that was two months ago in the Fujisankei Classic.
This is more than a four-man race.
Rickie Fowler recovered from a double bogey in the water on No. 9 for a 69. He was only three behind, along with Tim Clark of South Africa, who also had a 69. Ian Poulter had a cold putter for a 72 and was four shots behind with Thorbjorn Olesen of Denmark, who had a 69.
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