Graeme McDowell has withdrawn from the 3 Irish Open less than 24 hours after posting a course record 61.

The Ryder Cup star, 30, pulled out suffering from shin splints after playing eight holes of the wind-delayed third round in five-over par.

Winds gusting over 35 mph forced the tour to suspended play shortly before 10 am but McDowell decided not to go on when a decision was taken to resume at 3.15pm.

After improving by 16 shots on his opening 77 with an 11-under par 61, McDowell was bitterly disappointed to be forced to withdraw.

He said: "I'm gutted. It's the agony followed by the ecstasy followed by the agony."