McDowell's advice to Every: Avoid distractions

• By Ryan Ballengee
• Apr 20, 2012 8:39 AM ET

Matt Every set a new course record with an opening round of 9-under 63 at the Valero Texas Open. Leading by three heading into Friday play, Every thrust himself into contention for his first PGA Tour win. 

"Morning Drive" guest co-host Graeme McDowell has been in the cauldron before and explained what Every will have to face for the rest of the week.

"Going low is such a big advantage. A 63 can really jump you up a leaderboard and, thankfully, I've had a few low ones in my career," he said. "It's amazing the boost in confidence that going low can give you."

Position A atop the leaderboard, however, brings a lot of attention which, McDowell said, has to be managed.

"Having to talk about it is one thing. Going out under the radar is another," he said.

McDowell recommended avoiding all distractions.

"I remember the first few times semi-competing going into the weekend and having to go into the press center to talk about it, and maybe you wake up the next morning and you're on the back page of the paper. You kind of read about yourself, and it's distracting," he said.

"You've got to keep your head down, get into your bubble and stay away from all the talk, all the trash really, and concentrate on your business."