Defending champion Graeme McDowell fell further off the pace in the third round of the Alstom Open de France on Saturday, despite an early stumble from leader Kevin Stadler. McDowell began the day seven shots off the lead but in optimistic mood that a low round could get him back into contention at Le Golf National, venue for the 2018 Ryder Cup. However, with the overcast and windy conditions making scoring difficult, the former US Open champion instead found himself dropping shots at the first and fourth to slip back to one under par. Struggling: Graeme McDowell finished the day one under par and eight shots off the lead in France
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Former US Open champion dropped shots at the first and fourth to slip back
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Kevin Stadler still leading and two shots clear of playing partner Victor Riu
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Le Golf National will host the 2018 Ryder Cup
@placeholder was far more consistent with seven pars and a bogey on the 17th, despite struggling with a back injury which flared up during the round.