McDowell wins Mexican shoot-out

Graeme McDowell has toasted a “special” victory after claiming the OHL Classic at Mayakoba following a three-way play-off.

Bad weather in Mexico forced the tournament into a Monday finish, with McDowell sitting on 19-under par overnight and in a tie for the lead with Scotland’s Russell Knox.

The Northern Irishman had five holes still to play, while Knox was in the process of playing the 13th when time was called on Sunday night, and it seemed as though G-Mac might have blown his chances as he dropped a shot at the 16th to finish on -18 after 72 holes.

Knox needed just a par at the last to take the title but carded a bogey to match his rival’s score.

The duo were joined in the play-off by US star Jason Bohn, who birdied the 13th to reach 18-under before five straight pars saw him sign for a 68.

It needed just one extra hole to sort out the winner, with McDowell’s superb approach to the first hole earning him a birdie while his opponents could only make par.

It has been a barren 12 months for the Portrush native and he has not won on the PGA Tour since lifting the RBC Heritage trophy in April 2013.

And, after finally getting over the line, the Ryder Cup ace confessed that it was just the shot in the arm that he needed.

“It really gives me something to grab onto,” he said. “You go through a year like this and you think ‘am I finished? Am I good enough?’

“It has been a tough year but this is special. I have been dreaming of this day and I said to myself I was going to appreciate it when it came.”

Tagged Graeme McDowell