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If Northern Irish golfer Graeme McDowell should ever find himself short of a sponsor – though after his victory on Sunday in the Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond, he should have few such worries – he would probably find the doors at Chivas Bros flung open to welcome him.
Sunday’s triumph, ahead of a top-class field including Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Lee Westwood and Adam Scott, not only propelled McDowell into Europe’s Ryder Cup team to take on the US later this year, it marked a very special double for the Portrush player – and for Chivas Bros brand Ballantine’s.
In March, McDowell won a hotly contested play-off to capture the Ballantine’s Championship in Korea (pictured), the Scotch whisky brand’s debut tournament as title sponsor. The brand’s other major investment in European Tour golf is the Scottish Open, which McDowell of course also won – and The Moodie Report was privileged to be on hand for part of a terrific weekend’s entertainment.
So, next time you see Ballantine’s as sponsor of a major golf event, cast your eye over the field, and if the name Graeme McDowell appears on the list of entries, have a little flutter on the Irishman – he’s got form.