With 100 days to go until the Irish Open returns to his native Northern Ireland, Graeme McDowell is daring to dream about lifting the trophy at Royal Portrush Golf Club and says it would rank alongside his Major Championship triumph.

McDowell spent his youth honing his game on the fairways of Royal Portrush, which hosts the event from June 28 to July 1, and is relishing an “extra special” week as the Irish Open visits his home town – the first time the tournament has been played in Northern Ireland since 1953. 

The 32 year old has won seven European Tour titles – none more impressive than his victory at the US Open Championship at Pebble Beach in June 2010 – but he believes tasting glory in his own back garden, in front of friends and family, would be up there with the finest moments of his illustrious career.

Rory Portrush looking forward to hosting the first Irish Open in Northern Ireland in 57 years.

“It’s a dream come true for me to play a tournament of the magnitude of the Irish Open at Royal Portrush,” said McDowell.

“Having lived and grown up in Portrush all my life, it’s definitely a dream come true and I’m going to be very proud to welcome The European Tour to my neck of the woods. 

“The Irish Open has always been one that I’ve targeted every year. I’d love to win it. I’d love to compete in front of my home fans and pick up the trophy, but to have that at Royal Portrush is extra special for me and there’s no doubt it will be highlighted on my schedule.

“It would definitely be one of the proudest moments of my career.

“To win the Irish Open at Royal Portrush would be right up there with a Major Championship.

“My mum and dad have been there for a couple of the best moments of my golf career – winning the Irish Closed Amateur at Royal Portrush in 2000 and winning the Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond.

“They’ve been a special part of my career and playing the Irish Open in Portrush will make them very proud. It’s big for our family and it’ll be a special week for them.