Major league stars offer advice to new member McDowell

WITH new US Open champion Graeme McDowell riding high on a wave of acclaim, he’s been offered some very timely advice from those who have also tasted Majors success.

Two former US Open winners and the winner of two US Masters have suggested to the Portrush pro to find time to smell the roses.

Ernie Els captured the 1994 and 1997 US Open titles and arrived in Munich for today’s starting BMW International Open clearly disappointed to have gone within a whisker of capturing a fourth Major success.

But despite his frustration, Els was all class in singing McDowell’s praise.

“You have to take your hat off to Graeme as he played wonderfully,” said Els.

“He played nice and steady. But you know, I wasn’t the only one that had chances. I played with Phil (Mickelson) and he also had chances as did Tiger (Woods) and a lot of other guys. It came down to the win and I’m a little disappointed, but it was a good tournament.”

And the South African’s advice to McDowell was simple.

“Graeme should enjoy his victory and let it really sink in,” said Els.

“He’s got the wonderful opportunity now to kick on and to work out where he wants to go from here.

“I’ve heard he’s going to play more in the States and that’s not a bad idea as he has a house in Orlando, so he can play both Tours.”

Also competing in the Bavarian capital is 2005 US Open winner Michael Campbell who also kept Tiger Woods at arm’s reach to become only the second New Zealander to capture a Major in winning at Pinehurst.

And while there has been a shock downturn in Campbell’s game, the Kiwi supported the view of Els.

“Graeme has just got to enjoy the moment and enjoy being US Open champion for 12 months,” said Campbell.

“He also shouldn’t try to put too much pressure on himself. That was a mistake I made and that was putting too much pressure on myself. But then Graeme’s win was fantastic as he had strong challenges from all quarters including Greg Havret, Ernie and Tiger.

“Though any time you win a Major with Tiger in the field is always very special and I have to say Graeme has always struck me as having the pedigree to win a Major. He’s got so much experience under his belt and he’s also a good lad. It’s just so nice to see a new face win a Major.”

German legend Bernhard Langer, who won the 1985 and 1993 US Masters along with 71 other victories around the world, also offered some of his well-earned wisdom.

“My best advice to Graeme is not to be tempted to chase the dollar and compete in 30 more events or whatever,” said Langer.

“He should just stay focused on what he wants to do. He’s got a Major title under his belt so he should enjoy it and focus on winning more Majors.

“But it was fantastic and a phenomenal win for Graeme and I am very happy for him and for the European Tour, what with Gregory Havret finishing just one shot behind.”

In the absence in Munich this week of McDowell, Pádraig Harrington, Rory McIlroy and Gareth Maybin, it will be six other Irish players who will challenge in the €2m event.

They include Paul McGinley, Shane Lowry, Peter Lawrie, Damien McGrane, Simon Thornton and Michael Hoey.

Hoey is returning to the Tour for a first time in a month that included missing out, due to illness, in defending the Estoril Open a fortnight ago.

“It was disappointing to miss out on going to Portugal to defend as I had been looking forward all year to going back as the defending champion,” said Hoey.

“But hopefully I can now stay in good health and not miss out on any events.”