McDowell's home town prepares for victory party

The seaside town of Portrush in the North is preparing today to throw the mother of all parties for US Open champion Graeme McDowell.

Members of his home club at Rathmore, Portrush, celebrated long into the night as the 30-year-old won by a shot.

He was the first European to triumph in the tournament for 40 years and Rathmore club captain Colin Walker said members were ecstatic.

“It is massive. We have come through as a country such doom and gloom over the years it is great that we have another sporting hero,” he said.

“He is up there with the rest if not above them and this is a major achievement for golf here in Northern Ireland and for Irish golf.”

In a dramatic final day yesterday at Pebble Beach, California, Mr McDowell landed his first major.

He has been at Rathmore since age eight or nine and was coached by his uncle Uel Loughery as a junior at the club.

Mr Walker added: “From pitch and putt down here at Rathmore to Pebble Beach and winning the US Open.

“Graeme is a role model for our juveniles who all look up to him and want to follow in his footsteps.”

The champion won his first tournament in 2002. His clubhouse at Rathmore is just yards from the house where Fred Daly was born. A member of Royal Portrush club, Mr Daly won the Open in 1947.

The victor is expected back in the North later this week after appearing on the Jay Leno talk show in the US.

He will be returning to set up a round of drinks at his home club before he prepares for the Open Championship at St Andrews, Scotland, next month.

His father Kenny was with him at Pebble Beach. Mr Walker said his brother Gary won yesterday’s Open week competition at Rathmore and added that it was a good omen.

“Last night was totally unreal, the euphoria in the club,” he added.

“There were 30 or 40 members supporting Graeme. It was very tense but now it is just very busy with people.

“There was a belief in the club that Graeme would do it.”

Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson said it was an outstanding achievement.

“I would like to offer Graeme my sincerest congratulations on becoming the first golfer from Northern Ireland to win a major since 1947. I am sure that there will be more major victories to come.”

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said he had once again shown that local sporting talent was world-class.

“Graeme’s cool, calm and collected manner led him to a sensational victory last night at Pebble Beach. I too would like to offer my congratulations to Graeme and all his team on a job well done.”

SDLP Assembly Member John Dallat called for a civic reception at Stormont for the new champion.

“Graeme is a fantastic ambassador for sport and is a fine example to young people in Portrush and throughout the world of how dedication and discipline in pursuit of excellence can really pay off,” he said.