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Graeme McDowell found himself facing a putt on day one of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship that ignited thoughts of the dramatic 10-foot gem he holed for birdie on Monday that delivered the Ryder Cup back into European hands.
McDowell was on the 17th green at Kingsbarns and a venue that compared to Celtic Manor is akin to comparing chalk with cheese.
The Portrush man had 25 feet to the flag and also unlike the scenes last Monday when some 10,000 spectators packed themselves around the green, there were just a hundred or so very orderly spectators standing from behind ropes watching McDowell and his father, Kenny.
“It was probably the first time today my mind wandered back to what I did on 16 on Monday,” said McDowell.
McDowell was immediately quizzed: “So, what happened? Did you hole it?”
The Portrush man laughed in replying: “No, I misread it hopelessly and missed it to the right for a par.”
All nine winning Team Europe players, including captain Colin Montgomerie and the two Irish vice-captains, Paul McGinley and Darren Clarke, contesting the event found themselves being congratulated at every turn of Kingsbarns.
Rory McIlroy, who shot a 71, summed up the atomsphere.
“It was fantastic as everyone was saying well done for last week, so it was just great,” said McIlroy. “It's great to get that sort of reception.”
McIlroy capped his round in eagling the par five third hole but he also spoilt a better score with a double bogey at the par three 15th.
“Overall, it wasn't too bad, and I am going to St. Andrews tomorrow where I feel as if I can shoot a good score,” said McIlroy.
“My only hope is that it's a much better score than the last time I played the Old Course on a Friday (when he shot 80 in the second round of The Open)”
However, there was some concern for Lee Westwood who had been side-lined for seven weeks leading up to the Ryder Cup.
The England player, who secured two-and-a-half points for Europe, feared he may have again injured his right ankle after a round of 70.
But after attending the Tour's physio staff for treatment his fears were allayed.
“I felt a twinge and I guess I panicked a bit, and after the physio guys looked at it they have calmed my fears so I am going to continue playing in the event,” said Westwood (pictured).
Four players, Denmark's Thomas Bjorn, US Tour-based Scot Martin Laird, Dutchman Maarten Lafeber and Argentina's Ricardo Gonzalez headed the field at five under par.
Germany's Martin Kaymer was the best of victorious European side after carding a four-under par 68 with Shane Lowry the best-placed of the dozen Irish competing after signing for a three-under par 69 at St. Andrews.
Peter Lawrie has 1980s rock star Huey Lewis, of Huey Lewis and the News fame, as his amateur partner this week.
“Huey was great to play with and, let me say, he was happy to be stuck with me,” said Lawrie smiling after his score of 70 at Kingsbarns.
McGinley looked very despondent after his two-over par 74 that included six birdies but also double bogeys at four and the last.
“I've got a splitting headache and after having last week off from competition, I think I am paying the price,” said McGinley. “So I'm really disappointed at the moment and I hope I can play better tomorrow.”
And Clarke was equally annoyed after his four-over par 76.
“I've hardly hit a golf ball for three weeks and while last week was really good, it seems I'm back to same old frustrating stuff again,” he said.
