G-Mac dreaming of a British Open at Portrush

GRAEME McDOWELL has declared it his dream to play the Open Championship in his hometown of Portrush as he vowed to help bring major golf back to Northern Ireland.

After receiving an honorary degree from the University of Ulster in recognition of his triumphs on the course, the man Rory McIlroy succeeded as US Open champion said the region must first focus on hosting an Irish Open or another European Tour event.

“I know myself and Rory would be behind a Northern Ireland event with the potential of then getting the British Open back to Portrush, that would be something,” he said, stressing the importance of securing sponsors.