For a guy who was a crucial point in his season, Graeme McDowell found himself on an uncomfortable stage: Firestone Country Club.
“Definitely a puzzle which had eluded me for years,” McDowell said.
Though his 4-under 66 Thursday didn’t lead the first round of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational — Danny Lee shot 65 — McDowell’s score perhaps was the most impressive. Mostly because it’s been a rough year and having slumped to 60th in the Official World Golf Ranking and 159th in the FedEx Cup standings, McDowell is desperate for a big week. But also because he hasn’t exactly been Tiger Woods at Firestone CC.