Graeme McDowell defends his US Open title next week and to commemorate his phenomenal year, we are offering you the chance to win a Ryder Cup flag, signed by the hero of Celtic Manor, through our charity auction, with all proceeds donated to the European Tour Players Foundation.
Twelve months ago McDowell ended a 40 year wait for a European winner of the US Open when he claimed his first Major title over the famous links at Pebble Beach. And a few months later he was a hero once again, securing the winning point in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory at The Celtic Manor Resort.
McDowell’s crucial birdie putt on the 16th hole on the final day of The 2010 Ryder Cup, in his nail-biting match against Hunter Mahan, was voted The 2010 European Tour Shot of the Year, and indeed, for many observers, it was the not only the golfing highlight of the year, but the sporting highlight of the year.
Now you have the chance to own a part of that history with this unique framed Ryder Cup flag, personally signed by McDowell, and accompanied by photos of that putt and the celebrating European Ryder Cup team.
All proceeds from the charity auction will go to the Tour Players’ Foundation (TPF), the charitable foundation of the Tour and its members. The TPF supports a wide range of initiatives all around the world, such as the Glad’s House Caddies project in Mombasa, the Special Needs Families Group in Dubai and many more worthwhile causes.
You can bid for the signed flag through the auction page of the new European Tour Shop by clicking HERE.
McDowell’s heroics at The Celtic Manor Resort are already part of Ryder Cup folklore. The outcome of The Ryder Cup rested firmly on his shoulders, and McDowell held his nerve in front of the tens of thousands of spectators gathered around the green – and millions glued to television sets - to stroke the ball home.
McDowell went on to beat Mahan at the next hole to secure the winning point in Europe’s 14 ½ - 13 ½ victory over the United States, the narrowest margin of victory since 1991.
McDowell said: “That putt on the 16th was the best I’ve hit in my life. It was just 15 feet but it was above the hole and very fast. I knew I just had to get the ball going and thankfully it caught an edge and dropped in because I wouldn’t have fancied the one back if it had missed!
“In the context of The Ryder Cup, that 16th hole was massive as I was aware that everything was riding on the outcome of my singles match with Hunter. I knew that a half point was still not good enough to regain the cup.
“However everything went according to plan at the 16th and the rest is history. I will never forget the feeling standing over that putt and appreciating its importance. It was as important as any stroke I will ever play in my career.”
THE TOUR PLAYERS FOUNDATION- The charitable foundation of the European Tour and its Members.
OUR VISION- To make an inspirational impact on charity through international professional golf.
GOLFERS GIVING BACK
OUR MISSION- Through the unique and direct involvement of world class golf professionals the Tour Players' Foundation fundraises for, and makes donations and grants to voluntary bodies and charities, particularly in those regions around the world where European Tour events are held.
OUR HISTORY- The charity was initiated by the European Tour Wives Association and players in 2005 as GolfAid, then established by The European Tour in 2006 and re-branded to The Tour Players' Foundation in 2009.
Registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales, Number 1117493
