Graeme McDowell

Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell won his third event of the 2013 season at the French Open.  As the 2010 US Open champion shakes off the inconsistent form that had troubled him during his last few golf events, we take a look at the successful path this talented golfer has followed since his professional debut.

33-year old McDowell grew up in Portrush, Northern Ireland, and was an avid club golfer since his childhood days. During his college years in Ireland and the United States he was a successful collegiate golfer, playing on the University of Alabama’s Blazers team.

McDowell won the prestigious Haskins award in 2002 and received his degree in economics and engineering in the same year, showing his aptitude as a student and his talent for golf.  

Since turning professional in 2002, McDowell has won twelve events on the US PGA Tour, the European Tour, and the Asian Tour. He is also a major winner, having defeated France’s Gregory Havret at the championship in 2010.

After weathering his rookie year with no major difficulties, McDowell won his first tournament off just four starts in August 2002 at the Volvo Scandinavian Masters. This early victory propelled the young Ulsterman into the European winner’s circle and he has enjoyed a successful career on both sides of the Atlantic ever since.

In 2010, McDowell enjoyed a victorious season on both the European and PGA Tours. He won the Wales Open, the Andalucia Masters, and the US Open – his first major title – in the same season. McDowell reached a top ranking of 4th in the world in the 2011 season, and has been a strong contender ever since, focusing mostly on the European Tour’s Race to Dubai.

The 2013 season has been a successful one for McDowell, though his form was described as erratic over the past few weeks. Sunday’s victory at the French Open should send a very clear message to his fans and competitors alike: G-Mac is back on form.

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