GMac upbeat over Oakmont chances

Graeme McDowell fancies his chances of taming the tough Oakmont course at this week’s US Open despite his indifferent form.

The 36-year-old claimed the year’s second major back in 2010 at Pebble Beach while he finished tied for second two years later.

However, the Northern Irishman has not fared so well in recent years, with two missed cuts and a share of 28th in his last three outings in the event.

G-Mac’s form in 2016 has also been patchy, with a couple of top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour but also seven missed cuts.

He chose to play in last week’s FedEx St Jude Classic in Memphis but failed to make the weekend, and is not fancied to pull up any trees this week either.

However, the European Ryder Cup star confessed to liking the Pennsylvania lay-out, which has been described by some players as the toughest championship course in the USA.

McDowell knows he will have to up his game to contend but insists he is not fazed by Oakmont Country Club and is confident of making a splash.

“From what I’m hearing with comments coming back from a few guys it sounds incredibly difficult and I like that, I do relish that challenge,” he said.

“I think I am more of a purist US Open guy. I’ve performed well on the pure US Open tests like Pebble Beach and Olympic Club and had it going at places like Winged Foot.

“I’m very much looking forward to this one and feel like I am taking some decent amount of game in there.”

Tagged Graeme McDowell, Oakmont, Pebble Beach, US Open