Ministers praise US Open winner Graeme McDowell

Sports Minister Nelson McCausland and tourism Minister Arlene Foster today congratulated Graeme McDowell on becoming the first golfer from Northern Ireland to win the US Open Golf Championship with his victory at Pebble Beach in California.

McDowell, from Portrush, came from three shots behind overnight leader, American Dustin Johnson, to seal the biggest victory of his career to date. He is the first European to win the title in 40 years.

Minister McCausland said: "I am absolutely delighted for Graeme on his outstanding victory in one of the biggest tournaments in world golf. This is an achievement that both he and his family at home in Portrush can be truly proud and is testament to his dedication and determination. It comes as no surprise though as Graeme has shown great form this year, winning the Wales Open earlier this month at Celtic Manor, the venue for this year’s Ryder Cup.”

The Minister added: "When you bear in mind that past champions of this tournament include golfing greats Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, you gain an appreciation of the sheer magnitude of Graeme's achievement.

“Northern Ireland has had to wait over 60 years since Fred Daly last won a golf major at the British Open at Hoylake in 1947 and I would take this opportunity to congratulate Graeme and wish him all the best for his next target, the British Open at St Andrews on 15 July.”

It has been a remarkable year so far for Northern Ireland golf, with McDowell’s win coming on the back of Rory McIlroy’s first success on the US PGA circuit, winning the Quail Hollow Championship in North Carolina in May.

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster added: "I want to congratulate Graeme McDowell on his achievement and great personal success. This presents an opportunity to turn the spotlight on Northern Ireland’s golfing facilities. Graeme’s victory puts Northern Ireland on the world stage where we can showcase our outstanding golf courses, such as Royal Portrush, Royal County Down and Lough Erne Golf Resort.

“We are developing a new tourism strategy and want to put Northern Ireland on everyone’s destination wish list. The strategy identifies golf as a key attraction and we want to encourage golf enthusiasts to come to Northern Ireland and experience our world-class golf courses."

Minister McCausland also congratulated Coleraine’s Richard Chambers who at the weekend won a gold medal for rowing at the World Cup regatta in Munich.

Notes to editors:

1. Graeme McDowell was born in Portrush in 1979 and attended the University of Alabama from 1998 to 2002. In 2002 he won the Haskins Award for the most outstanding collegiate golfer in the US. In 2001 he was a member of the Great Britain and Ireland team that retained the Walker Cup at Sea Island in Georgia. Graeme turned professional in 2002 and has enjoyed six wins on the European Tour to date.