U.S. Open: Tiger, DJ and a decade of champions
2010 Champion – Graeme McDowell
Graeme McDowell’s Pebble Beach win approached the storybook level. It came on Father’s Day with his dad Kenny watching. Could things possibly get any better? For McDowell, yes. He also became the first player from the UK to win a major championship since Paul Lawrie won The Open in 1999 and the first man from Northern Ireland to win a major since Fred Daly in 1947. The home parties began as McDowell was embracing his father and hoisting the trophy for the photographers.
McDowell, who’s currently 83rd in the OWGR and 97th in FedExCup points, can be depended on to deliver a credible and respectable performance at Erin Hills although he’s not likely to contend. The 37-year-old Northern Irishman is enjoying a more relaxed and easygoing period in his career although he doesn’t seem quite ready to step back from the tee just yet. His most recent win came in 2015 at the OHL Classic at Mayakoba and he finished inside the top 20 last year at Oakmont.