Graeme McDowell’s declared it’s time to end Europe’s 12-year Masters winning drought.

The Masters fans got their first look at the reigning U.S. Open champion yesterday (MON) when he played a full practice round with fellow Ryder Cup winning hero, Ian Poulter.

G Mac says it's time a European was again fitted for a green jacket

And they liked what they saw with McDowell being mobbed at every turn of the Georgia golfing gem.

Then when he found shelter under the stately oak tree at the back of the Georgian clubhouse, McDowell was besieged by the world’s golfing media.

McDowell is making his fourth Masters appearance and to date, the most important.

And despite the demands for autographs and interviews, the Portrush pro is scoring top marks from all concerned.

“I think I have learned what it means to be in contention in a Major Championship,” said McDowell.  

“They are long demanding weeks.  They’re unlike normal tour events. They’re big. There is a lot of excitement as I noticed today.  

“The golf course takes its toll and you really have to pace yourself during the week.  I will kind of cruise into these first couple of days and then hopefully come Sunday I’ll be the last man standing.

“That’s how I felt going into Pebble Beach as I felt like I had plenty in the tank coming down the stretch there.

“So it’s all about conserving the energy so that you’re ready for a big weekend here.”

However McDowell and his pack of European born golfing marauders will tee up knowing that it’s been 12 years since a European was last fitted for the famed Augusta National green jacket.

That was Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal in 1999.

But not for a long time has Europe dominated in the Majors and in the World Rankings so much so, McDowell’s confident the Augusta drought will end this weekend.

“It’s a long of fun to be a part of a really strong contingent of European players,” said McDowell.

“We are being compared to Lyle’s, the Faldo’s and the Woosie’s, the Langer’s and the Olazabal’s and the Ballesteros’ back in the ‘80s and early ‘90s.

“Those guys won a lot of Masters Championships and I am thinking it is about time we stepped up and started winning a few green jackets ourselves.”