• European Tour

McDowell to remain loyal to European Tour

Graeme McDowell currently heads the Race to Dubai standings after wins at the US Open and Wales Open © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: McDowell turns his focus Stateside
  
• News: McDowell withdraws from French Open
  
• News: Els confident of major glory
  
• News: Ishikawa set for Scottish Open debut
  
• Out of Bounds: Say it quietly, but Tiger is back
  
• News: McDowell confirms Scottish Open spot
  
• News: McDowell reaches new career high
  
• News: Woods taking the positives
  
• News: McDowell claims first major title at Pebble Beach
  
• Profile: Graeme McDowell

US Open champion Graeme McDowell has insisted he will not turn his back on the European Tour after confirming he will tee it up at next month's 3 Irish Open.

The world No. 13, who heads the European Tour's Race to Dubai money list, earned a five-year exemption for the PGA Tour by winning at Pebble Beach and has a home in Orlando at Lake Nona.

The 30-year-old has hinted that he may spend more time competing on American soil in 2011 in order to challenge on the FedEx Cup points list but says he remains committed to supporting his home Tour.

"I'm going to remain a loyal member of the European Tour," McDowell told the PGA's official website. "I think the great thing about golfers in Europe is we play all over the world, and I think we're better players and better people because of that.

"My plan was to get my PGA Tour card this year, and play a little bit more golf out here. I've played quite a lot out here this season. I looked at the FedExCup and not being a Ryder Cup year next year, my plan was to come over and play a little bit more."

The Ulsterman, who will play in next month's Scottish Open at Loch Lomond before targeting back-to-back major wins at the Open at St Andrews, could be a double major winner by the time he takes his place in the 3 Irish Open field in Killarney on July 29.

McDowell will be the first reigning US Open champion to compete in the event since Payne Stewart in 1991 and the Portrush native is looking forward to competing on home soil as a major champion.

"To be able to tee up at the 3 Irish Open as the US Open Champion is going to be pretty special," McDowell said. "I look forward to the 3 Irish Open every year, but to able to compete in front of the Irish fans as a major winner will be an awesome feeling."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.