McDowell keen to contend
Graeme McDowell is hoping to rediscover the form that made him US Open champion at this week’s Irish Open.
Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell is hoping to rediscover the form that made him US Open champion when he tees it up at the Irish Open this week.
McDowell won the Wales Open and then his first major title in successive weeks in June and has admitted that his triumph at Pebble Beach – and the celebrations afterwards – took some getting over.
The World number 11 finished a satisfactory if unspectacular 21st and 23rd on his subsequent starts at the Scottish Open and Open Championship, but is looking to contend again at Killarney.
He told Sky Sports News: “I had a nice chilled-out week at home last week and I am feeling a lot fresher and really ready to go.
“I’m looking forward to a good test this week, my Irish Open record isn’t outstanding so I’m certainly down here really trying hard and hopefully competing at the weekend.”
McDowell’s best finish in an Irish Open is 11th and he has missed four cuts in his last seven starts.
“Someone emailed my website and said ‘you’ve won the Scottish Open and the Welsh open, how about playing half-decent in the Irish Open for a change?'”
After Ireland, McDowell will play in the WGC – Bridgestone Invitational in Ohio, then attempt to add to his major collection in the USPGA at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.
“I’ve got three big weeks coming up, then I’ll take some time off and get ready for a strong end to the season,” he said.
“I am leading the Race to Dubai – it is important for me that I try to compete and do well in that, and obviously the Ryder Cup in Wales in October is something I’m really looking forward to doing well in.”
Latest
-
NewsMatt Fitzpatrick one off lead at Canadian Open as compatriot Aaron Rai sets pace
Rai was one of three players on five under par midway through the opening round.
-
PGA TourPaul McGinley: PGA Tour players will feel like the losers out of golf merger
The former Ryder Cup captain feels PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan has put himself in a “very tricky position”.
-
PGA TourRory McIlroy left feeling ‘like a sacrificial lamb’ after golf merger
McIlroy was kept in the dark about the stunning deal which was announced on Tuesday.
-
PGA TourRory McIlroy ‘surprised’ and has ‘mixed emotions’ over peace deal in world golf
The Northern Irishman thinks “ultimately it’s going to be good” for the professional game.
-
PGA TourRory McIlroy involved in angry exchange at PGA Tour players meeting – report
Players are coming to terms with the shock merger with LIV Golf.
-
LIV GolfWhy has Saudi Arabia become big player in world sport and what does future hold?
The country sees sport as vital to diversifying its economy and encouraging activity among its citizens.
-
PGA TourRory McIlroy due to face media over PGA’s agreement with LIV Golf
McIlroy and Tiger Woods have been the biggest supporters of the PGA Tour’s battle with rival LIV before the shock announcement.
-
PGA TourPGA Tour ‘should be ashamed’ over LIV deal, says 9/11 families group
Anger over Saudi backing after commissioner ‘co-opted the 9/11 community’ to oppose breakaway tour.
-
PGA TourPeople are going to call me a hypocrite over merger – PGA Tour chief Jay Monahan
The PGA and DP World Tours merged their commercial operations with LIV Golf in a shock announcement on Tuesday.
-
LIV GolfMerger of golf’s warring factions sends shockwaves through sport
The agreement between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV Golf came after 12 months of unprecedented disruption in the men’s professional game.