McDowell content to shun the spotlight

WITH his US Open reign consigned to the record books, Graeme McDowell is enjoying his return to normality and quietly mounting a case for consideration at this week’s British Open.

Feeling as fresh, focused and relaxed as he was entering his life-changing week at Pebble Beach ahead of the 2010 US Open, McDowell is once again unburdened from the pressures and pleasures of being a reigning major champion. And on the back of some encouraging form during his US Open defence at Congressional and also last weekend at the Scottish Open, he returns this week to the type of links golf he grew up playing at his beloved Portrush. Which means the Irishman is in something of an ideal position to take on the challenges of Royal St George’s and think about lifting the Claret Jug come Sunday evening.

“It is nice to be coming into a major championship feeling as fresh as I do right now,” McDowell said yesterday.