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Relieved McDowell sends out warning to 'bombers'

Graeme McDowell feels a weight has been lifted © Getty Images

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ESPN will be providing live commentary during all four days of the US Open from Congressional CC - along with all the news, views and opinion when it gets underway on Thursday

Graeme McDowell has confessed he is relieved to hand back the US Open trophy, and he is predicting that this year's winner will not be decided by who can drive the ball farthest.

McDowell clinched his maiden major at Pebble Beach last year before going on to play a defining moment in Europe's Ryder Cup victory, yet since those moments his game has failed to kick on.

The Ulsterman began the year talking about an assault on the world No. 1 spot, but a frustrating spring has continued into the summer, where final-round collapses at the Players Championship and the Wales Open cost him two big career titles.

Reflecting on the past 12 months, McDowell admits it will be good for his game to no longer have the tag of US Open champion following him around.

"It's tough to look forward when all everybody wants to talk about is the past, but this is my last bit of talking and I'm really happy it's all done," he said ahead of Thursday's opening round at Congressional.

"It's bizarre because if anything I feel like the glare's off me this week. Somehow, having arrived here, I feel like I've done it now. I've handed my trophy back and I'm ready to sort of get on with the rest of my career.

"I've got nothing to defend this week. I'm level par Thursday morning the same as everyone else. I felt different on the golf course yesterday. I really felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders already."

McDowell's compatriot Rory McIlroy will tee off in a group involving Phil Mickelson, but the world No. 7 does not believe the course suits Mickelson. McDowell has had a good look at Congressional during Tuesday's practice, and he is convinced a big driver will not have an advantage.

"The course doesn't feel long any more. The 11th (a 494-yard uphill par four) played down wind and I hit eight iron - when I came here eight weeks ago I played it off the very back tee and hit driver, three wood short.

"It's amazing how a course can change. I don't think length is a massive issue at all - I think accuracy off the tee is key because these greens are so firm you're going to have to be able to control your flight.

"I don't really see a lot of opportunities for guys biting off too much of these corners. You've got to shape the ball around trees and you've got to find fairways. Someone asked me what type of player does this favour. I'm still trying to work that out, but it's certainly not a bomber."

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