McDowell withdraws from Open qualifying as Air France loses his clubs

Graeme McDowell withdraws from his Open Championship qualifier at St Anne's Old Links.

03 Jul 2018

Graeme McDowell in race against time for airline to find golf clubs

Graeme McDowell has withdrawn from his marathon 36-hole Open Championship qualifier today after Air France lost his golf clubs on the way back from the Open de France on Sunday.

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McDowell jumped aboard an Air France flight back to Manchester after finishing in a tie for 37th at the Open de France at Le Golf National, venue for the Ryder Cup in less than three months time where the Northern Irishman will serve as one of Thomas Bjorn's assistant captains.

With still no sign of his clubs late Monday evening and with his home Irish Open starting on Thursday, the world number 175 confirmed his withdrawal from Open qualifying due to "not being able to give 100% without his own clubs.

Need assistance from @airfrance. Flew into Manchester last night from CDG and my golf clubs are untraceable. I have a 36 qualifier tomorrow for @TheOpen and really need my bag. Thanks in advance. #help
— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) July 2, 2018

Terrible time of the year for holiday makers losing bags. 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.
— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) July 2, 2018

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

I have officially withdrawn from @TheOpen qualifying tomorrow at St Anne’s Old Links.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

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.
— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) July 2, 2018

McDowell will have another shot at qualifying for the Open Championship at Carnoustie if he can earn one of the three spots for non-exempt players at both the Irish Open and Scottish Open.