By Mark Lamport-Stokes
AKRON, Ohio, Aug 6 (Reuters) - Graeme McDowell reaped the benefits of hard work on the practice range and banished some of the hangover of "a rough year" as he charged into contention for the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational on Thursday.
The Northern Irishman, who has recorded just one top-10 and six missed cuts in 18 starts worldwide during his 2015 campaign, ground out a four-under-par 66 to end the opening round at a firm and fiery Firestone Country Club one shot off the lead.
"I drove it well today, especially on the front nine," McDowell told reporters after mixing five birdies, four of them in his first seven holes, with one bogey.