Graeme McDowell Misses British Open Qualifier After Airline Lost His Golf Clubs

Former U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell pulled out of the British Open qualifying after the airline that flew him to Manchester lost his golf clubs.

McDowell made his predicament known via a series of tweets after his golf clubs went untraceable. McDowell arrived in Manchester, England from Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport via Air France.

"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," McDowell's first tweet says.

Hours after, McDowell tweeted that his clubs are not on their way from Paris and he established that they are in the black hole known as CDG. McDowell also criticized Air France for being quiet on Twitter so he has no other means of communicating with the airline.

One Twitter user suggested that McDowell rent clubs ahead of Tuesday's qualifier at St Anne's Old Links. However, McDowell explained his predicament.

"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," McDowell told the fan.

McDowell Announces Withdrawal

After waiting for hours, McDowell announced that his withdrawal from the event at St. Anne. McDowell said he could not give a 100 percent performance without his own equipment.

"Terrible time of the year for holiday makers losing bags," McDowell says in another tweet. "I'm certainly not any more important than the next person who has lost a bag, just happens to impact my livelihood this week."

There's Still Hope For McDowell

However, all is not lost for McDowell as he has two other chances to qualify for the British Open. McDowell is scheduled to play the Irish Open later this week and the Scottish Open next week. The two events provide qualification spots for the leading non-exempt players who finish in the top 10.

The winner of the 2010 U.S. Open, McDowell, is currently ranked No. 175 in the world, so he needs a qualification to play in the British Open.McDowell's PGA Tour exemption for winning the 2015 OHL Classic at Mayakoba is also set to expire next month.

The British Open will be played from July 19 to 22 at Carnoustie. In 2012, McDowell recorded his best finish as he ended his campaign in a tie for 5th place.