Caddie Ken Comboy earned his keep at Sandwich on Thursday. (Photo Eoin Clarke/Golffile 2011Graeme McDowell confessed that his caddie talked him down off the ledge as he went from zero to hero to keep his Open hopes alive.

The former US Open champion was ready to explode as he made a horrific start, crashing to three over early on following a double bogey at the first and a bogey at the fifth.

But with bagman Ken Comboy whispering words of encouragement, G-Mac racked up six birdies in his next 12 holes, storming home in a best-of-the-day 31 to card a two under 68 and finish the day tied for sixth with Darren Clarke.

Relieved not to blow his Claret Jug dreams, McDowell said: “You’ve got to really rely on your caddie and I’ve got to thank him a little bit out there today for keeping me in the moment because my head was spinning after a few holes.