GMac happy with ‘dream season’

Graeme McDowell insists he is happy with his “dream season”, despite missing out on the lucrative Race to Dubai title.

Graeme McDowell insists he is happy with his “dream season”, despite missing out on the lucrative Race to Dubai title.

The Northern Irishman has had a stellar 2010 season, amassing an impressive three titles – including the US Open – and featuring prominently in Europe’s winning Ryder Cup team, sealing the victory with a crucial putt.

The 31-year-old had a chance at capping off the season in style by denying money list leader Martin Kaymer the Race to Dubai title. McDowell needed to finish the season-ending Dubai World Challenge in at least third place to win the lucrative Race to Dubai, but in the end could only equal the Kaymer’s position in a tie for 13th.

Despite missing out on the title, and the £932,024 bonus that comes with it, McDowell insists that he is happy with his year.

“I’m proud of the way I played the last five weeks generally,” said McDowell. “To give Martin a run for his money this week was very good.

“Things just didn’t really go my way this week. It’s just been a great year and no disappointment at all.

“It’s been a dream season. Just so happened that Martin Kaymer had an unbelievable season as well, and it’s just been a great year for European golf and I’m just very proud to be part of that.”

Coming so close to glory has inspired McDowell, and a newly revamped world ranking list has the star re-evaluating his goals.

“I think a few years ago we all felt Tiger Woods was pretty invincible. Now that I see one of my friends and colleagues, Lee Westwood as world No. 1, I know how much improvement I can do in this game and how much better I can become. I think I’ve got to put that up as a goal of mine to become as good as I possibly can be and perhaps the world No. 1 one day.

“I think when you see guys you play alongside week-in and week-out achieving their dreams and being the best player on the planet I think you’ve got to believe you can do the same thing.

“So disappointed obviously with the week but I can’t be disappointed on a great 2010. It’s been amazing and I certainly will look back and really have a lot of moments in that year to really cherish.”

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