McDowell hails 'phenomenon' McIlroy as Ireland take early lead

MISSION HILLS, China: Graeme McDowell described partner Rory McIlroy as a "phenomenon" after his young teammate fired Ireland to the top in the Omega Mission Hills World Cup of Golf yesterday.

McIlroy missed out on topping the European money list at the weekend, losing out to England's Lee Westwood, but said he quickly got over the disappointment.

The world No 10, just 20 years old, sank a 20-foot putt for eagle at the par-five 15th at Mission Hills but missed repeating the feat on the par-four 16th by a whisker, settling for a birdie.