GRAEME MCDOWELL WILL skip the traditional Masters par-three event today to get in more practice – and to watch Chelsea and Manchester United’s Champions League showdown.

The Portrush man says he didn’t land an early tee time, which would have allowed him to catch the game this evening.

“I want to have a good practice session and play a really good back nine holes, then get in and put my feet up and watch the match,” said United fan McDowell.

“United don’t get to play Chelsea too often in the Champions League.”

“Unfortunately the par three does not fit my schedule this time around. I’m disappointed, but hopefully there will by more Masters tournaments.”

The US Open champion  was drawn to play alongside Tiger Woods tomorrow and Friday. And G-Mac, typically, is looking forward to sharing the spotlight.

“I always say to Kenny, my caddie, when we are out there playing with him – at Doral or Chevron or Shanghai last year – that this is good practice for when it happens in the big shows,” he said earlier.

“It doesn’t get much bigger than the Masters. I feel like I’ve played with him enough now to where it’s pretty normal once you get used to the whole buzz that surrounds him, especially inside the ropes.

“I’ve got to go and play my own game and let him play his game. I would have been intimidated a couple of years ago, but nowadays it’s reasonably normal. I was expecting to get a draw somewhere along those lines this week,” he added.

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