McDowell hits City heights

GRAEME McDowell will take a one-shot lead into the third round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge in Sun City today.

McDowell overcame a double-bogey seven on the 14th to card a five-under-par 67 at the Gary Player Country Club.

At seven under par, the former US Open champion tops a crowded leaderboard with defending champion Lee Westwood, world No 4 Martin Kaymer, Swede Robert Karlsson and American Jason Dufner all one shot behind. World No 1 Luke Donald is five shots off the pace after a 72 left him two under alongside home favourite and Masters champion Charl Schwartzel, who began the day tied for the lead with Westwood but struggled to a 74.

McDowell’s double bogey on the par-five 14th came after he pulled his drive into the undergrowth but the Northern Irishman also had seven birdies, including two in his last three holes. “That’s exactly what I wanted,” he said. “I’m very happy to finish with a couple of birdies after a bit of a whoopsie on the par five.”

Ryder Cup team-mate Kaymer was also pleased with his 68, which featured one bogey, three birdies and an eagle. “I played well again, the same as yesterday,” the German said. “I look forward to the weekend, I think I’ve put myself in a good position.”