Maybin's graph continues its rise

The 29-year-old from Antrim showed his more famous compatriots how to get it done, writes Philip Reid

SOMETIMES, IT’S the quiet ones you’ve got to watch. Gareth Maybin may have lived in the shadows – most particularly those cast by his fellow-Ulstermen Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy – for much of his time as a professional, but he has shown he can move with stealth in a career with an upward graph, to such an extent that he has been fitted out for clothing as a possible Ryder Cup player.

Maybin is a product of the US collegiate system who played the third-tier Hooters Tour in America. He then returned to Europe, where he claimed a full tour card via the Challenge Tour.

Yesterday he took a step into the limelight by firing a three-under-par 68 that left him leading the 11-strong Irish contingent here.

The 29-year-old from Ballyclare in Co Antrim produced five birdies, including his closing two holes – to prove you don’t require length off the tee to overpower the par fives – and two bogeys to moved into a tie for seventh.

“I was really happy with the finish, but I didn’t feel that great with the driver,” Maybin said. “I need to go and do a bit of work to try and straighten that out.”

There’s no fear of Rory McIlroy living in the shadows, whose every move is followed by prying eyes; including when he showed his frustration after taking two to get out of a greenside bunker on the 10th by leaning on his lobwedge so severely that he was unable to use the club for the rest of the round.

McIlroy double-bogeyed that par three 10th, which left him on five over for his round to that point.

But he salvaged some pride, and a little more, by coming home without dropping another shot and birdieing the 16th and 17th to sign for a 74.

McIlroy’s swing was a little out of sync on the front nine.

“I was getting ahead of it, getting a little afraid to release it,” he explained. “I was hanging onto it a bit much, and just slowed it down on the back nine and it seemed to work.

“Five-over through 10 wasn’t great, (but) I hung in there. I just need to hole a few putts and get myself in for the weekend.”

The world number nine’s frustration came after failing to escape the sand at the first attempt for a second occasion, initially on the second hole and then on the 10th.

“The sand is very inconsistent. Some bunkers have a lot of sand, some don’t have any.

“I left a couple of bunker shots in the bunkers today, which isn’t like me. But, then, I shouldn’t be hitting them in there in the first place,” admitted McIlroy.

Only four Irish players managed to dip below par. Maybin’s 68 leads the way with Damien McGrane finishing on 69.

“It was a solid day’s work with a lot of good shots and I still have a lot of work to do, but I’m pleased to get off to a good start,” said the Meath man.

McDowell and Peter Lawrie shot 70s.

McDowell claimed that his rhythm was out.

“I got a little quick, snatchy . . . the usual bad habits, and tried to fix them on the golf course. I battle hard coming in, but generally felt off the boil.”

McDowell, who came into the championship in 50th position in the world rankings, needs to stay there to earn automatic invitations to next month’s US Open and the British Open in July.

“I can’t let that affect me, I’ve been living on the bubble for the past two years. I’ve got to concentrate on each shot, each hole, each day and see how that leaves me.

“I’m a decent iron player and I think I can have a good weekend here.”