Graeme McDowell hopes returning to the scene of Europe’s Ryder Cup triumph last year will inspire him to defend his Saab Wales Open title.
The Northern Irishman claims last year’s victory at the Saab Wales Open was the catalyst for further success as he went on to win his first Major by lifting the US Open at Pebble Beach.
McDowell then helped Colin Montgomerie’s men regain The Ryder Cup when he clinched a decisive winning point against American Hunter Mahan at The Celtic Manor Resort after play was extended into a fifth day due to the inclement weather in Wales.
Due to play in a strong field which includes Ryder Cup team mates Ross Fisher, Peter Hanson and Miguel Angel Jiménez and Montgomerie’s vice-captains Thomas Björn and Darren Clarke, 31 year old McDowell was in a nostalgic mood on the eve of the tournament.
He said: “This is certainly where my season got off and running. I played probably some of the best golf I've ever played on the weekend here: 64, 63 to win.
“I took a huge amount of confidence away from this tournament and went from strength to strength at Pebble Beach and won there. It was certainly the catalyst for 2010, and it’s great to be back.
“The Ryder Cup was something very special. It’s great to come into the clubhouse and see some great photos and some great memories of what was an amazing weekend. I’m excited to be back defending a title.
“This is a golf course I know I can play well on. I’m excited to try and win the title back, as opposed to defending it. It’s not really mine for them to take away.”
McDowell conceded there was once a time when he felt under pressure to defend his titles, but when he steps out on to the course tomorrow, he insists he will have no such problem.
He added: “When you defend your first few titles you probably have that extra tension. I’ve gone through that process a few times.
“Certainly now my mental attitude is I hand the trophy back first thing tomorrow morning, and it’s a wide open field again.”
