McDowell plots Open gambit
Graeme McDowell. Picture: Fran Caffrey www.golffile.ie
Graeme McDowell has one leg of the career Grand Slam but he’d gladly cut off his left arm to add The Open to his major collection.
The 2010 US Open winner is desperate to not to be remembered as a one-hit wonder.
Confessing that the Claret Jug is the most special of all the major trophies, G-Mac said: “I'd give my left arm for the Claret Jug. I would, actually.
“That would be the end of my career, but it would be a nice way to go.
“And I think I've got the experience and belief and knowledge to hang around for 72 holes and perhaps get the job done. I feel like I'm more ready than I've ever been to win another Major.”
Since he won his first major at Pebble Beach four years ago, McDowell has finished second in the US Open and fifth in The Open.
And he’s convinced that tight and tactical Royal Liverpool is right up his street as he bids to match Rory McIlroy and add a second major to his CV.
Asked what an Open win would mean to him, McDowell said: “It would mean huge amounts to me.
“I certainly don't want to be a one-hit wonder. And I've learned a lot over the last few years since my U.S. Open victory.
“Two years ago at Lytham was the closest I've come to an Open Championship but this is my kind of golf course this week and I want to give myself as many opportunities as I can to win Majors.”
One of the shorter hitters on tour, McDowell does not believe that his lack of power will be a drawback.
Banking on accuracy and intelligence, he said: “I’m one of the short knockers these days. I accept that, no problems.
“But is distance going to be an advantage around this golf course? I don't think so, no. I don't think there's a lot of opportunities to blow it past trouble here.”
Recalling how Tiger Woods won the 2006 Open at Hoylake by hitting his driver just once, G-Mac added: “Tiger can dominate with length, but he didn't have to. This golf course doesn't ask that question.
“It asks you to play a game of chess more than anything.”
