McDowell the last of the Irish; Stricker celebrates birthday with big win

By Doug Ferguson | The Associated Press
February 23 2013 11:37 AM

CP22177606 — Martin Kaymer of Germany tees off the 17th hole in the second round of play against Rafael Cabrera Bello of Spain during the Match Play Championship golf tournament, Friday, Feb. 22, 2013, in Marana, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

MARANA, Ariz. – Graeme McDowell ended what was still a big week for Shane Lowry at the Match Play Championship.

McDowell made three birdies in a five-hole stretch to build a 4-up lead at the turn and outlasted his Irish friend, 3 and 2, to reach the quarterfinals. Next up for McDowell is Jason Day, who eliminated Masters champion Bubba Watson and left this event without a top 10 seed going into the final 8 for the first time in its 15-year history.

The best golf belonged to Steve Stricker, who celebrated his 46th birthday with a match that made him feel 47. He made eight birdies and needed every one to beat Scott Piercy, who shot 65 and lost. Stricker birdied the last two holes, making a 30-foot putt to win.

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