The Northern Irishman drove off at high noon into Calibogue Sound simultaneously as a canon sent a booming noise over the holiday township that marked the official start of the $US 5.8m event.

And the noise of the canon  certainly left McDowell reeling as you can see from the video clip below, and also despite having ear plugs in his ears.

“I was told to brace myself but in all honesty I wasn’t 100% prepared for the noise, and I must have jumped two feet in the air,” said McDowell.

“It was amazing as I’ve  never been involved in anything like this before, and I couldn’t believe how much noise the canon made even with ear plugs in my ears.

“That was incredible and what great way to start my defence of my first regular PGA Tour win here last year, so I am looking forward to the week.”

Local, South Carolina State and US Congress officials attended the ceremony.