GOLF: Graeme McDowell beats cut in Mexico but tournament defence appears over

Graeme McDowell carded a six-under-par 65 to beat the cut at the OHL Classic in Mexico, but his defence of the tournament he won 12 months ago is effectively over as he sits 11 shots off the lead.

By The Newsroom

Published 12th Nov 2016, 15:23 BST

Updated 16th Nov 2016, 16:51 BST

The Northern Ireland man recovered from a terrible opening round by going round in 10 shots fewer on day two to ensure his stay for the weekend.

McDowell fired eight birdies and two bogeys, but with halfway leader Gary Woodland on 13 under there is unlikely to be a repeat of his 2015 success in Playa del Carmen.

American Woodland sent himself to the top of the leaderboard as he also carded 65, which was a blemish-free round consisting of six birdies.

He is one shot clear of Webb Simpson, who also went round in six-under, while Scott Piercy is a shot further back on 11 under.

Ben Martin, who shot a 64, is one of seven men on nine under.