Graeme McDowell, right and Rory McIlroy of Ireland smile after finishing the 18th hole during the first round of the Omega Mission Hills World Cup golf tournament.

World Cup in Golf: Can Ireland land the trophy?

November 28, 2009 10:28PM

In a field that includes the defending champions, Sweden, Ireland who finished ninth the last year were never expected to be among the top contenders in the World Cup in Golf, which ends in Shenzhen, China.

A close second behind the Irish was Argentina, followed by Japan, Canada, Italy, Korea and Sweden, the defending champion.

Ireland, represented by Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy hold a three-stroke lead after the first-round fourballs.

The Irish pair had 12 birdies and an eagle in a brilliant 58 and are 14 under par, three ahead of Argentine duo Rafa Echenique and Tano Goya. England's Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher are on six under, alongside Stephen Dodd and Jamie Donaldson of Wales.

"We got off to a great start and birdied the holes we had to on the front nine where there are three par fives," said McIlroy.

"We kept it going and birdied the holes other teams were not getting birdies on.

"We did not have any mistakes and we had a look at two birdie chances on most holes and most of the time we took one of them.

"It was great team play and no-one really put each other under pressure and I think that showed in the way the scores went," he said.

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Reader Comments (1)

Posted by Tadgh Collins Cork on Nov 29 2009

We are very proud of your performance in China over the past few days, (nevew write off the Irish)Our rugby boys showed the world what can be done as well. From a Big Irish follower.