Graeme McDowell: Grinds out a decent first round at Irish Open

Graeme McDowell was in danger of getting off to a poor start in his bid for a first win since 2015, but birdied three of his last six holes to finish one under at Thursday's first round of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Championship..
Graeme McDowell plays a shot during the first round of the Irish OpenGraeme McDowell plays a shot during the first round of the Irish Open
Graeme McDowell plays a shot during the first round of the Irish Open

"It was a grinding performance but nice to turn a 75 into a 71," McDowell said after his round at Ballyliffin Golf Club.

"It was one of those days that could have got away from me so I was happy to keep it under control and post something half decent."