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Cape Town - Graeme McDowell has been forced to withdraw from a Open Championship qualifying event on Tuesday after his clubs were lost while returning from competing at the French Open.
The 2010 US Open champion was travelling from Paris to Manchester with Air France ahead of a 36-hole qualifying tournament at St Annes near Blackpool when his clubs went AWOL.
"Flew into Manchester last night from Charles de Gaulle (Airport) and my golf clubs are untraceable," he wrote on Twitter.
"Clubs still not on way from Paris. Established that they are in the black hole known as CDG."
The 38-year old had been hoping to secure a spot in the Open, which takes place at Carnoustie later this month.
"I have officially withdrawn from @TheOpen qualifying tomorrow at St Anne's Old Links. I cannot give 100% without my own equipment which has been mishandled by @AirFrance and must turn my attention to @DDFIrishOpen this weekend," he added a few hours later.
Responding to questions on why he didn't try to play with another set of clubs, McDowell replied: "Lots of you wanting to know why I don’t grab a set off the rack and give it my best shot to get in @TheOpen...
"Of course I could do this, but wouldn't be firing on all cylinders and there are 6 spots up for grabs next 2 weeks at @DDFIrishOpen and @ScottishOpen."
The former world No 4 McDowell, now ranked 175, said he has now decided to wait for Thursday's Irish Open and next week's Scottish Open, providing his clubs are found in time.
There are three places up for grabs at each tournament for non-exempt players who finish within the top-10.
The 2018 Open Championship takes place at Carnoustie from July 19-22.
Need assistance from @airfrance. Flew into Manchester last night from CDG and my golf clubs are untraceable. I have a 36 qualifier tomorrow for @TheOpen and really need my bag. Thanks in advance. #help
— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) July 2, 2018
Clubs still not on way from Paris. Established that they are in the black hole known as CDG. @airfrance and @AirFranceUK have been very quiet on Twitter lately so no communication. Looking doubtful I will participate tomorrow @TheOpen qualifier.
— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) July 2, 2018
Terrible time of the year for holiday makers losing bags. I’m certainly not any more important than the next person who has lost a bag, just happens to impact my livelihood this week. Customer service is so frustrating in this case for everyone.
— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) July 2, 2018
I hear you man. Only 3 spots from 72 decent players and I have another event to get ready for this week, so have to cut my losses and start preparing. https://t.co/L49rE58pQh
— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) July 2, 2018
Sent this guy @Jmjanaillac an email this morning, who I believe is the @airfrance CEO but got the cream pie. Maybe not a golfer. Frustrating one. Have to start switching my brain to @DDFIrishOpen. @TheOpen spots there also. Still need clubs!!!
— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) July 2, 2018
I have officially withdrawn from @TheOpen qualifying tomorrow at St Anne’s Old Links. I cannot give 100% without my own equipment which has been mishandled by @AirFrance and must turn my attention to @DDFIrishOpen this weekend. Thanks for all the support.
— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) July 2, 2018
Lots of you wanting to know why I don’t grab a set off the rack and give it my best shot to get in @TheOpen. Of course I could do this, but wouldn’t be firing on all cylinders and there are 6 spots up for grabs next 2 weeks at @DDFIrishOpen and @ScottishOpen.
— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) July 2, 2018
Thanks for getting the job done guys. Appreciate the assist. https://t.co/MZwyIb6HWY
— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) July 4, 2018
