Butch Harmon, Dustin Johnson, Ian Poulter, Graeme McDowell and Jim Nantz sit as panelists at a sponsor function

This post first appeared at the Wall Street Journal’s Daily Fix in the third-round live-blog.

Just because reigning U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell lost his chance at a Masters title by missing the cut didn’t mean he lost his sense of humor.

The Northern Irishman known as G-Mac has seen better Fridays. He knocked his tee ball into the shrubs on the par-three No. 12 and had to declare a lost ball on the hole. He ended up making triple-bogey and missed the cut by two shots.

Last night in the backyard of a mansion in the gated community of Westlake (where most players and big companies rent houses for the week), NetJets hosted its annual party. McDowell joined Dustin Johnson and Ian Poulter, along with coach Butch Harmon and emcee Jim Nantz, in a panel discussion.

McDowell set the tone when he quipped, “So, if you find a Srixon 3 behind No. 12, that’s my ball.”

He also talked about his good friend and countryman, Rory McIlroy, who is leading the tournament. He said he plans to stick around for the weekend and might even go watch McIlroy play on Saturday. G-Mac praised McIlroy’s game, saying he does everything good, but “his putting has been suspect.

During the Q&A portion, one attendee asked the guys about Tiger’s play earlier in the day. Dustin talked about playing with him a few weeks ago at Bay Hill. Harmon chimed in and said, “We all want Tiger to play well. We make more money when he’s doing well. Let’s just say it as it is.”

Ain’t that the truth? You gotta love Butch. The man doesn’t mince words.

Meanwhile, Ross Fisher, who is four-under for the tournament, got a hold of the mic. He had a question for McDowell. “G-Mac, being a major champion who isn’t playing this weekend, will you caddy for me?”

The audience erupted with laughter, including McDowell, who said he certainly would be happy to loop for Fish.