Graeme McDowell on cloud nine
The Northern Irish golfer, Graeme McDowell is certainly on cloud nine this year. Winning the US Open at Pebble Beach was the highlight of this player’s amazing season. McDowell was named ‘Professional of the Year’ in the AIB Irish
Golf Writers’ Awards for 2010. Even though Graeme, who was nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the year, did not win the award just the nomination was prestigious enough. As announced yesterday, the BBC Sports Personality of the year was Tony McCoy.
The 31-year-old player was a unanimous selection for the Irish Writer’s award. This should not be a surprise after Graeme’s wins at the Wales Open, US Open, Andalucía Valderrama Masters and his most recent triumph at the Chevron
World Challenge. Out of all the achievements of the Ulsterman, no one can forget his singles win over Hunter Mahan in the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor. Graeme, scoring the winning putt, hence paved way for the European team to win back the cup they lost to the
Americans in 2008.
Graeme has been awarded by the IGWA before in 2000 when he won an amateur award. The player was elated to win the award. He mentioned fellow Irish players such as Padraig Harrington and Rory McIlroy who have won awards in previous
year. McDowell also praised the strength of Irish golf and the European dominance in golf this year. With Lee Westwood being the number one player and Martin Kaymer winning the USPGA Championship, the Europeans are definitely on a roll. Out of the thirteen
players chosen for the Masters in 2011, the majority comprises of European players.
Graeme, who is currently 7th in the world with 6.23 points is one of the thirteen players who will appear at the Masters. McDowell is very grateful to his family for their support throughout his career. The talented
player also acknowledged all those who assisted him in his game including his coach Pete Cowen, his caddie Ken Comboy and his management at Horizon Sports.
“This was a tremendous year for me personally and professionally. To win my first Major championship at Pebble Beach and then to bring home the team to victory at the Ryder Cup made this past season very special, the stuff
of dreams. I’m now looking forward to some family time at home in Portrush before returning to the tour in Hawaii next month,” said Graeme McDowell.
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