McDowell delighted to end drought

Last updated: 3rd December 2012

Graeme McDowell admitted that a weight had been lifted off his shoulders after winning his first title in two years.

Prior to his victory at the Tour World Challenge on Sunday, McDowell last tasted glory at the Andalucía Valderrama Masters in October 2010, the same year in which he won the US Open.

Despite playing some good golf in spits and spurts, McDowell was unable to break his duck until now.

"This really caps off my season," said the 33-year-old.

"We try not to put winning on a pedestal, but this one feels very sweet because it's been a grind all year.

"Certainly I will draw some confidence from this one. The game hasn't given me a huge amount this year.

"For two years I've been saying things like 'processes' and 'trying to get better' and 'be patient' and hopefully the wins will come. I guess I got fed up with telling everybody that I'm playing well, playing well.

"I'm relieved to get across the line and take some nice confidence into this little off-period I've got coming up. It really is about the processes, but we need to win. That's why we're out here.

Victory in California is not the only highlight of McDowell's life in recent weeks having recently proposed to his long-time girlfriend.

"Getting engaged three or four weeks ago was a huge step in my life, and this has really made it a lot of fun," he said.

"I certainly enter a new chapter in my life which I feel is going to bring a lot of solidity and support to my golf career and this is a great way to begin it.

"She's in support of what I do and loves to try and get out when she can. She flew in Friday night, and thankfully it was worth the trip."