McDowell: It’s a fun test

Graeme McDowell is looking forward to the challenge that awaits the US Open field this week at Chambers Bay.

While the Northern Irishman is under no illusions as to the difficulty of the unusual course the USGA has thrown at the players, he is relishing the chance to show off his links skills.

“I feel like I’m well tuned it after the Irish Open at Royal County Down,” the 35-year-old told BBC Sport.

“You are going to be putting from 40 and 50 and 60 feet on a dozen holes every round, so it is difficult.

“But this is a course which has got a Portrush and County Down feel to it. I like it, it’s a fun test. Certainly it will be for the spectators though I’m not sure the players will have fun grinding around. Ten over par could win the tournament.”

McDowell has had a poor 2015 by his standards, with just one top ten finish and three missed cuts from 13 events. However, he and his wife Kristin welcomed the birth of their first child, which has been a challenge it itself.

“It’s been a tough season but for right reasons,” added the ten-time European Tour winner.

“I am really enjoying my family and that side of my life, perhaps the motivation on the range hasn’t been as it should be for the last eight months. But I have that back now and the old signs are coming back.”

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