Northern Irish · Portrush, Northern Ireland · Born 30 July 1979Graeme McDowell is a Northern Irish golfer best known for ending a 40-year European drought at the US Open.
Graeme McDowell was born on 30 July 1979 in Portrush, Northern Ireland, and grew up playing at Rathmore Golf Club, sharing the same Royal Portrush links that would later host The Open, before attending the University of Alabama at Birmingham on a golf scholarship. McDowell turned professional in 2002 and developed into one of the most respected players to emerge from Northern Ireland, winning the Wales Open as a rookie in 2002 before building a career on both the European and PGA Tours. McDowell delivered the defining achievement of his career at the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, becoming the first European winner of the championship since 1970, and later that year sealed the winning point for Europe at the dramatic 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor. McDowell has continued competing at a high level well into his forties, and remains one of the most popular and respected golfers to emerge from Northern Ireland's remarkable production line of major champions, alongside contemporaries including Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke.
2010 US Open champion at Pebble Beach
How They Played
Strategic course management, strong iron play, excellent under pressure
Lasting Impact
First European to win US Open in 40 years, clutch Ryder Cup performer
Career Honours
- US Open 2010
- Ryder Cup winning point 2010