The Players: Graeme McDowell
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The race is on between Graeme McDowell and his good friend Rory McIlroy to add The Open to their Major hauls.
“We’ve been joking about it, but I’d love to go head-to-head with Rory down the stretch on Sunday afternoon for The Open,” says G-Mac. “He is a legend and a great friend – but that friendly rivalry would go out of the window should we be going head-to-head for The Open! I want to win it before him.”
McDowell, inspired by Padraig Harrington’s three Majors, says he was in turn delighted his own Major win pushed McIlroy on to his sensational successes in the US Open and PGA.
“It’s great to see the sort of inspiration that the like of me winning at Pebble can bring to your friends and colleagues,” he says. “I took it from Padraig, a guy who is not blessed with a naturally talented long game, but who worked so hard to get where he is and to do what he did. He showed a really strong head and short game can win.”
And upbeat G-Mac, whose impressive play-off win at Hilton Head earlier this year was his first win in America since his Pebble glory, stated: “I’m feeling good and I’ve been doing my homework, making sure I’m ready to go. I’d certainly love a go at the Claret Jug. I’d be lying if I said The Open wasn’t on my mind; to win in front of the British and Irish fans would be kind of sweet.”
Best Open finish: 5th at Royal Lytham, 2012
