McDowell clinging tight to Ryder Cup spot

Luke Donald and Graeme McDowell kept their chances of qualifying automatically for Europe’s Ryder Cup side next month intact with steady starts to The Barclays at Ridgewood Country Club.

Northern Ireland’s McDowell – who occupies the ninth and final qualification place – battled to a one under par 70, which was matched by England’s Lee Westwood, another still scrapping for a place on Paul McGinley’s team.

Former World Number One Donald, who is less than two World Ranking points behind McDowell, shot a level par 71, with the qualifying race reaching its climax next weekend.

Europe’s hero from the 2012 contest in Medinah, Ian Poulter, was one over after the first round of the US PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup series.

Another Englishman, Paul Casey, did his chances of a captain’s pick no harm at all with an eye-catching five under 66 to sit in a tie for second, one behind American leader Bo Van Pelt.

Rory McIlroy, already assured of a key role at Gleneagles following his sensational recent form, began his quest for a fourth straight win with a round of 74.

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