Graeme McDowell with his 'girlfriend' that he's loved for the last 12 months.
Graeme McDowell admits handing back the gleaming U.S. Open trophy has been like a huge weight lifted off his shoulders.
McDowell became the first European in 40-years to capture the U.S. Open when he won by a stroke from Frenchman and fellow Barclay’s Scottish Open winner last year at Pebble Beach.
- After victory along the Pacific Ocean washed course in California, McDowell rode the crest of a winning wave for the ensuing months holing the triumphant Ryder Cup putt in Wales and then capturing the Andalucian Masters and the Tiger Woods hosted Chevron World Challenge in L.A.
And while winning a first Major has never been a burden to McDowell, he admits it’s been the demands that have gone with the role of a U.S. Open winner that have taken a bigger toll on his golf game.
Graeme McDowell in the Congressional Press Room
In fact, in the 13 events the 31-year old has contested this year McDowell’s had just has had four top-10s but also missed the cut in four others.
“It’s bizarre because if anything I feel like the glare is off me this week,” he said.
“I’ve spent just under the last 12 months looking back at Pebble, and I spent the last six months reflecting on 2010.
“So I arrived here this week feeling like I’ve done it now.
“My U.S. Open trophy was packed up and shipped back to the USGA the week of the Wales Open and I’m ready to get on with the rest of my career now.
“I’ve done all the talking so this is my last bit of talking before I tee off on Thursday.
“ I’m really happy that it’s all done because I really want to look forward to the rest of my career and what I want to achieve for the rest of my career.
“It’s tough to look forward when all everyone wants to talk about is the past.
“So in many ways I really felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders already, and I’m excited about the week.”
McDowell confessed the gleaming U.S. Open trophy, with the figurine of a winged women standing atop, has been like a girlfriend to him.
After first flying back to Portrush with the trophy he’s taken ‘her’ around the world including back to the States, all parts of Europe, Bermuda for the Grand Slam of Golf, the Middle East before a final ‘evening out’ at the recent European Tour ‘Players Award Night’ in London.
“The trophy has been like a girlfriend to me and like any relationship, it was difficult when it was shipped back to the USGA,” he said.
“I’ve enjoyed my 12 months as the U.S. Open champion. It’s been extremely special to go around the world, to be here in the States and be called the champion.
“It’s cool to be announced on the first tee as the U.S. Open champion at tournaments around the world.
“So it’s been a special 12 months. But I’m here now, happy to give the trophy back and excited to move on with the rest of my career.”
But then McDowell does have two trophy replicas and even it’s meant he’s going to have the ‘winged lady’ straightened.
“I’m going to have to have the lids on my two replicas redone because the figure of the woman on top of the trophy is a little askew, and she’s not standing all that straight,” he said.
“It’s just weird.”
