Graeme McDowell awarded with an MBE award
The U.S Open Champion Graeme McDowell was chosen by the Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie to be honoured with an MBE award, a medal which stands for the Member of the Order of the British Empire.
The Northern Irishman was chosen for the prestigious because of his remarkable performance under pressure during the final singles match of the 2010 Ryder Cup. Graeme played to the best of his ability when he posted a birdie on the sixteenth and rolled a
home putt on the 17th green. His shots on the last holes of the grand event were surely nerve wrecking for the Europeans and Americans alike. McDowell rolled the winning putt, sealed victory for the Europeans and became the Ryder Cup hero.
His match against the American Hunter Mahan was simply incredible. With both the players of equal calibre, it was tough battle to fight. However, the Irishman remained victorious and Mahan broke down into tears during the press conference following the Cup
due to his defeat. Where McDowell was crowned as the winner, Mahan was feeling like the sole person responsible for America’s defeat. Although, it was a team effort for both sides but Graeme gave superb performance in the cup, thus registering his name for
the MBE award.
"It is a huge honour for me to be included on the New Year Honours List," said McDowell. "For my achievements as a professional golfer to be recognized in this way is truly special. Both myself and my family are very proud of this unique acknowledgement."
Monty, who picked McDowell for the distinction, said that the 31-year-old golfer is a confident player. He said, “If we were going to win late, I needed someone of his calibre, of his stature now, to come through.” He said that Graeme’s win at the Wales
Open at Celtic Manor really assisted him in the Ryder Cup, as his experience on the course proved to be positive for the European team.
Grabbing Ryder Cup title was not the only endeavour of the 31-year-old’s golf year. McDowell also won the US Open at Pebble Beach, claiming three other wins. This is the first time since forty years a European has won the U.S Open.
Graeme also won the Wales Open, Andalucía Masters and most recently the Chevron World Challenge. As 2010 ended, Graeme was awarded with many other awards. Named player of the year by the U.S and British golf writers, McDowell is hoping for an even better
year ahead.
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