Graeme McDowell withdraws from British Open qualifier after airline loses his clubs
Former U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell may miss out on the British Open later this month — though not due to a fault of his own.
McDowell flew from Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport to Manchester on Sunday night ahead of Tuesday’s qualifier for The Open at St. Annes, something he needed to do well in to secure his place in the tournament. However, there was just one problem: his clubs didn’t show up.
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
“Need assistance from @airfance,” McDowell tweeted early Monday morning. “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.”
His call for help, though, seemingly went unanswered.
Clubs still not on way from Paris. Established that they are in the black hole known as CDG. @airfrance and @AirFranceUK have been very quiet on Twitter lately so no communication. Looking doubtful I will participate tomorrow @TheOpen qualifier.
— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) July 2, 2018
One user asked McDowell why he simply didn’t rent clubs ahead of Tuesday’s qualifier, which is a totally fair question. However, as McDowell quickly explained, only three spots are up for grabs out of the 72-man field, which would make playing well enough to qualify for The Open with totally new equipment extremely difficult.
I hear you man. Only 3 spots from 72 decent players and I have another event to get ready for this week, so have to cut my losses and start preparing. https://t.co/L49rE58pQh
— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) July 2, 2018
So, after a day of frustration, McDowell cut his losses and withdrew from the qualifier.
I have officially withdrawn from @TheOpen qualifying tomorrow at St Anne’s Old Links.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
While McDowell missed this opportunity to qualify, he’s not totally out of time to qualify for the British Open. McDowell is set to compete in the Irish Open later this week and the Scottish Open next week — both of which offer qualification spots for the leading non-exempt players who finish in the top-10.
Hopefully, for his sake, McDowell’s clubs resurface from the airport black hole in time.
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