Graeme McDowell and Ian Poulter combined for 65 on a much tougher day in modified foursomes to move to within one stroke of a five-way lead at the 2019 QBE Shootout.
The pair went into day two six shots behind Harold Varner III and Ryan Palmer who shot a 17-under 55 on Friday in a silly season scramble format to match the scramble record since the event moved to Tiburon Golf Club in 2001.
Praying for wind on day two, the European partnership got what they wished for and produced an equal-best round of seven-under par 65 on the day to move to 18-under par for the tournament, just one shot off the pace heading into the final day.
“Funnily enough, Ian and I were talking about it yesterday. We wanted a tougher day because we needed to make a move. I think we were four-under through eight holes today in modified alternate and that’s what we were in scramble yesterday so we knew we were doing OK,” McDowell said.
“We both played really well – really solidly. The big key to this format is getting two balls in play off the tee so you have some options and we hit some great irons shots. You know, any time you’re in a team playing format with this guy – when he’s in the mood – it’s going to be good. His Ryder Cup record speaks for itself and he was in the mood today! We had a good time.”
“I’m always in the mood,” Poulter laughed. “GMac and I have played a lot of golf together and this format lends itself to us. It was windy and we needed some wind. I mean, 17-under par yesterday was an incredible score, even in a scramble format so we needed to pick up a few shots today – we’ve done that, tightened the gap to the front and if we can keep going Sunday, have some fun, like we should, then hopefully we can go close.”
Full scoring HERE
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