Four-time Major winning Rory McIlroy took time out from his DP World Tour Championship preparations to single out fellow Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell for special praise.

On Monday, McDowell ended a tough 14-month winless drought in capturing the PGA Tour’s OHL Mayakoba Classic in Mexico.

The event, known also as ‘Mexico’s Major’, was McDowell’s first success since capturing the 2014 French Open and also his first success on the PGA Tour since being fitted with the champion’s jacket in winning the 2013 RBC Heritage.

Rory McIlroy congratulates Graeme McDowell following his OHL Mayakoba Classic success. (Photo – Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)

The win lifted McDowell to No. 62 in the World Rankings and also afforded him an invitation into next April’s Masters at Augusta National.

McIlroy has long been a close companion to McDowell and he knows only too well what the 2010 US Open winner has endured this past season with his best finish all year being T9th in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic and in McDowell’s very first event of 2015 that McIlroy captured.

“It was a fantastic win for G Mac and great so see him win again as it has been a struggle this past season,” said McIlroy.

Rory McIlroy delighted to see fellow Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell back into the winner’s circle in capturing the OHL Mayakoba Classic in Mexico. 
Picture: Golffile | Thos Caffrey

“I know he’s been speaking about his confidence being low but the win in Mexico will be a huge lift for him,  and he’s now turned a big corner heading into the New Year.

“And especially with the manner of his victory, winning in a play-off and hitting that 5-iron shot he did into the first extra hole.

“So I’m delighted for G Mac and it’s great he’s back into the winner’s circle.”