Golfing News

Irish duo Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell have been speaking positively about their chances of success at the World Cup this week, saying they are determined to improve on two years ago.

Ahead of this weekend’s event in China, Ireland were pipped by Italian brothers Francesco and Edoardo Molinari in the final stages, leaving them devastated and keen to go one better this time around.

Looking ahead to what should be a thrilling few days of golf, McDowell said: “I guess you could say I’ve got myself a decent partner. He’s in great form and the world number two.”

“You have to be able to motivate and inspire each other and enjoy the experience of being in contention and under pressure, and hopefully enjoy the experience of winning together.”

“There’s nothing quite like that team atmosphere in golf. It’s a very individual sport and very few times do we get the opportunity to play as a team.

“Winning individually is nice, but winning as a team is something extra special. Hopefully we can use our experiences of the last couple of years to good effect.”

McDowell was instrumental in Europe winning the Ryder Cup last year of course and will be hoping to call on this team spirit in China this week as he flies the Irish flag alongside McIlroy.

As for the World No.2, he is convinced that the way a team approaches the tournament is going to be instrumental in who emerges as the winners.

The reigning US Open champion said: “The key to this golf course is all about the second shots. Most of the teams are going to find it relatively simple to hit it into the fairway and from there the course gets a lot more challenging.”

“If you don’t get the ball on the right level on the greens it’s going to be very difficult. Maybe the scoring at this course might not be as low as it was in Shenzhen.”

Ireland will be one of the favourites to win the World Cup of course, but England – represented by Ian Poulter and Justin Rose – will hope to challenging as will Martin Laird and Stephen Gallacher for Scotland and Rhys Davies and Jamie Donaldson playing for Wales.

Poulter as you would expect has been tweeting a lot while in China, with his most recent update saying: “Team England have officially called it a day & are getting some rest in for day 1 of the world cup. 7.00am gym warm up.”

Who knows, perhaps the Englishman will also take part in some friendly texas hold’em with his team. It would kill some time, get the brain working and help team bonding! Perfect World Cup preparation!

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