G-Mac hoping for revival to year’s fortunes with strong showing on home patch

Graeme McDowell is eyeing a confidence-boosting week at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Portstewart.

McDowell has endured a disappointing 2017 so far and he is yet to record a top-10 finish on either the PGA or European Tour, with a tie for 13th at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic the best result achieved.

The 37-year-old Northern Irishman has missed back-to-back cuts at the US Open and Open de France and that has seen him slip to world number 100 – a drop of 19 places since the end of 2016.

Home comforts could come into play for the one-time Major winner this week, having been born just a few miles away in Portrush, and he is one of the few players in the field that have extensive knowledge of the course.

McDowell, who is looking to secure one of the three places available in the Open at Royal Birkdale, is looking forward to a positive week and potentially challenging for victory.

“The golf course is in great shape and my game feels right there. I’d dearly love to compete here this weekend and give it a rip on Sunday afternoon,” he was quoted as saying by www.herald.ie. “I just really haven’t had those big finishes (this year) which are the catalyst to more confidence and more belief.”

Tagged Graeme McDowell, Irish Open