McDowell doubtful due to old injury

Fate is engaging in some rather frustrating antics with Graeme McDowell these days. Just as it seemed to smile on him at the recent American Express championship, where he finished sixth, it has decided to show a rather more sinister side on the eve of the Volvo Masters with the 26-year-old's participation in doubt due to the recurrence of a spinal injury.

"No more than 50-50," was the candid assessment of McDowell, when queried as to his chances of playing. The frustration was obvious.

The whiplash injury that first materialised in August when he was a backseat passenger in a car crash, just before the US PGA and which subsequently forced him to withdraw from the following week's NEC Invitational, resurfaced last week as he undertook some gym work at his home in Orlando.

McDowell was forced to pull out of yesterday's pro-am at Valderrama and instead underwent further intensive physiotherapy treatment from therapist Dale Richardson. A decision on whether he tees up in the European Tour's end-of-season finale won't be made until shortly before his scheduled tee-time (10.40am Irish). "I won't play if I'm told there's a chance of aggravating it."

The recurrence couldn't have come at a worst time.

Currently 51st in the official world rankings, and with tournaments running out, McDowell needs to move back into the world's top 50 before the final year rankings in December if he is to secure his place in next year's US Masters.

"I'm really frustrated, not so much that it's back, but because I felt I was getting back on schedule both with my game and my fitness," said McDowell, whose next scheduled appearance is in the HSBC Championship in China in a fortnight's time.

"This is a big week, a big tournament, and it is one that you make as a goal to play in at the start of the season. But it is particularly frustrating for me to have the injury come back at this time, being on the bubble of the top 50 and knowing that your game is getting back on top and knowing that you need a big week to move up the rankings.

"I'm frustrated because I felt everything was getting back on track, that my game was getting back on top," added McDowell, one of six Irishmen in the field.

Of the sextet, Paul McGinley is best-placed in the Order of Merit, currently lying sixth with earnings of €1,629,762. Although he has failed to win (yet) this season, McGinley has moved from 68th in the world rankings up to a career-high 26th which is an indication of his consistency.

"It's been a great season, except for there being no wins," conceded the Dubliner. "But if you'd ask me would I trade one win for moving up those 40 places in the world rankings, I'd say 'no'. If you're not in the top 50 in the world these days, you're at a severe disadvantage."

Ironically enough, McGinley, sitting on a chair on the range while caddie Darren Reynolds sought out new golf shoes with longer spikes, didn't have to look too far for inspiration to find somebody who finally discovered the winning habit in this tournament last year. Ian Poulter had arrived in Valderrama winless, but left with the trophy.

Yesterday, he engaged in chit-chat with the seated McGinley as the Englishman drove shots towards the far end of the range.

"This is a golf course I've never played well on, but there is no real reason for that," opined McGinley. "I like the course. In fact, it's a bit like Firestone.

"I'd never played well there until this year (he finished third behind Tiger Woods in the NEC) but could have won there. This is a real challenge for me, but my golf game is better (than previous years) and the guy who is going to win here is the guy who plays the best golf. You certainly can't poke the ball around here."

Damien McGrane, meanwhile, has decided to play using the Valderrama club professional as his marker.

The Meathman, making his debut in the tournament and as the last qualifier, is the odd man out in the draw which is based on positions in the Order of Merit and has the distinction of hitting the first tee-shot.