• European Tour

McDowell eyeing multiple majors

Graeme McDowell says he still 'pinches himself' when he reflects on becoming a major champion, although the Northern Irishman says he has finally put his fabulous 2010 behind him after struggling to move on with his career.

McDowell became Europe's first US Open champion for 40 years when he claimed his maiden major at Pebble Beach last year, before going on to star for Europe in the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor to cap off a memorable 2010.

However, his achievements appeared to take their toll on the Ulsterman as his game deserted him for several months after the turn of the year. Looking back on his phenomenal 2010 season and subsequent slump in form, McDowell told ESPN he is now ready to set himself fresh goals and try and win further majors.

"I reflect on 2011 as a real learning experience," he said. "2010 was always going to be pretty tough to emulate. I came into the year trying my best not to judge myself on 2010 standards.

"A lot of the pre-US Open hype kind of got to me a little bit; I spent the first six months of 2011 living in 2010. Everyone wanted to talk about it; it was very tough for me to move on with my career. It's been a real learning experience getting over that and through that, and start to set my goals again and look to the future about what I want to achieve in my career."

The 32-year-old is still amazed he managed to get over the line at Pebble Beach, though he insists he now wants to concentrate on trying to win more silverware rather than look back.

"When you're on the inside looking out it's very difficult to get a grasp of what you've achieved," he said. "I look back at Pebble [Beach] and how much of an out-of-body experience that was for me coming down the stretch and after I won and spent the next 12 months as US Open champion - it was surreal.

"Still when people call me a major champion it's pinch yourself stuff. I guess that's a good thing because you want to stay motivated and you want to drive yourself and have that desire to achieve more of that. At some point in my life I'm sure I'll kick the feet up and sip on a nice glass of red wine and reflect on what a fun career I've had but hopefully I'll add a few more chapters between now and then."

McDowell won the Ryder Cup back for Europe in October last year, grabbing the final point needed to get Colin Montgomerie's men over the line. Jose Maria Olazabal leads Europe into battle at Medinah Country Club in Illinois next year, and an excited McDowell says he is desperate to make the team.

He said: "European golf has had a great four or five years - we've been winning the major championships and dominating world golf, no doubt about it. I really feel like the tide is turning a little bit - America are getting strong, they've got a great bunch of young players coming through who are really into the Ryder Cup, they're energetic for it. I'm really hoping to be on the team in Chicago to try and defend the title."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.