DUBAI // With his personal and professional life finally running in perfect tandem, Graeme McDowell is looking forward to a strong season.
The 2010 US Open champion sealed a first victory in 16 months by winning November's OHL Classic in Mexico and arrives for the Omega Dubai Desert Classic this week revitalised and released from the tension that stunted his 2015.
Understandably, McDowell is feeling confident. He traded the final few events of last season’s European Tour to compete on the other side of the Atlantic and it paid dividends with success at Mayakoba.
In turn, that has spun around his form and mood heading into the final Desert Swing event that begins Thursday at Emirates Golf Club.
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“Really, it was nice getting rewarded for making a tough decision,” McDowell said. “I felt like it really takes the pressure off. Coming into the new year feeling a lot looser and a lot fresher and playing better than I was this time last year, I really feel I can have a big year from here. I’m excited about how the schedule lays out in front of me, and the way I’m playing and the way I’m feeling.”
A tough year has been laid to rest, but McDowell accepts that it can now be considered an important part of his progress, too.
He became a father in August 2014 having tied the knot the previous September.
“Getting married and having kids is obviously a big part of life, and I’ve certainly enjoyed every part of that,” he said. “But when you’re struggling at your profession – doesn’t matter what that profession is – if it’s hard and you’re not making any money, it’s frustrating.
“So you go through that little period of introspection and trying to work out what it is you want to do with yourself. Of course I love the game of golf and I want to win more tournaments and more major championships.
“It’s just a re-dedication process, and I’ve enjoyed it, coming out the other side of it and getting the rewards out of the end of last year.”
With the Olympics, the Ryder Cup and making the FedEx Cup finale high on the agenda, McDowell has a more immediate target this week. Tellingly, his last European Tour top 10 came at Dubai 12 months ago.
“I love coming to this golf course – it’s evolved so much over the years,” he said. “It’s a great set-up for my type of game, so I’m looking forward to it.”
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