GRAEME McDOWELL apologised for saying the Scottish Open “lost its prestige” by going to Castle Stuart.
And he may next have to make a thank you speech as he is in line for the winner’s £540,000 cheque.
The Northern Irishman moved into contention for the Scottish Open title by adding a three-under-par 69 to his first-round 70, confirming a new-found passion for the Inverness links.
That left the 2010 US Open champion on five under just three shots behind halfway leader Alex Noren of Sweden, and as well as the cash GMac, 36, is eyeing big world ranking and Ryder Cup qualifying points.
He admitted: “I was wrong to say the Scottish Open made a mistake by taking the event to a course not many people had heard of.
“This is the fourth time they’ve played it here now, and it is obviously a very good test of golf.
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“They’ve changed a few bunkers and I’m pleasantly surprised at how good the course is — and how well I’m playing it!
“I caught a break by being on the right side of the draw, missing the worst of the weather.
“Plus I love links golf. I grew up playing it and some of the shots I practised at Troon last week in readiness for The Open have come in useful.”
McDowell was joined under par by double Open champion Padraig Harrington.
Harrington, 44, defied the strong winds in round one to shoot a brilliant 70 and felt his second-round 69 was not in the same league.
He said: “I like it when the conditions are tough, where par is a good score.”
Phil Mickelson, a winner here and at Muirfield in 2013, also shot a 69 to make the cut on one over.
Colin Montgomerie carded a 71 but ran out of steam in his bid to repair the damage caused by an opening 78.
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