As the man who sparked Europe’s recent run of success in the US Open Championship, Graeme McDowell knows exactly what it takes to win this most demanding of Majors.
The Ulsterman’s victory at Pebble Beach Golf Links in 2010 heralded the start of an unprecedented period of European dominance, with his compatriot Rory McIlroy (2011), Englishman Justin Rose (2013) and Martin Kaymer (2014) all subsequently following in his footsteps.
Speaking ahead of his tenth appearance in the US Open, McDowell’s pride in leading the European charge across the Atlantic was self-evident.
He said: “I was the first European in 40 years to win the US Open, and now we’ve had four winners in the past five years. It’s tough to put your finger on exactly why it’s happened that way but I think we Europeans are becoming so much more comfortable on this side of the Atlantic, with so many more playing opportunities here in the WGCs and the Majors.
“So I think it’s a comfort factor, and getting familiar with the golf courses over here. Going through a purple patch has been great, it was a lot of fun to lead that charge and I would love to continue the roll this week.”
It has been some time since McDowell seriously contended in a Major Championship, but having rediscovered his drive after the birth of his daughter Vale led – by his own admission – to a dip in his on-course motivation, the 35 year old feels ready to shine again.
He said: “Over the last three or four months, I’ve decided that I want more of this stuff. I want to win more Major Championships. I have the desire back to practise again and work harder, because I love being in contention in the biggest events in the world. My win at Pebble in 2010 was amazing for me but I don’t want it to define my career. I’d like to continue defining my career from here onwards.”
McDowell’s Ryder Cup team-mate, Henrik Stenson, admits he has been inspired by the exploits of his fellow European Tour Members.
The Swede is yet to break his Major duck but, having finished in the top three in both the US PGA Championship and The Open Championship during his ‘annus mirabilis’ in 2013, and in a tie for fourth in last year’s US Open, it is surely only a matter of time before he seizes his chance to join McDowell in the elite club.
Stenson said: “Of course, when some of your friends are winning Major Championships and you’ve play practice rounds with them in the past and you’ve beaten them every now and again, then you start to think that if they can do it, you can do it too. I feel like I’m getting closer and closer.
“It’s all about giving yourself opportunities, and hopefully I have three or four years left in my prime. If I can come in well prepared and have a good game-plan and put myself in the mix on a few occasions, then hopefully I can walk away with at least one of them.”
