Graeme McDowell put himself firmly in the frame for a Ryder Cup return after a battling victory in the Saudi International.
McDowell began the final round with a one-shot lead and a closing level-par 70 in tough scoring conditions at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club was enough to seal a first European Tour title since 2014.
The win is set to lift McDowell from 104th in the world rankings to back inside the top 50, less than a year after the 2010 US Open champion found himself a lowly 257th.
A winner once more ?@Graeme_McDowell wins the #SaudiIntlGolf. pic.twitter.com/wCUViRoomZ
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) February 2, 2020
An emotional McDowell fought back tears as he told Sky Sports: “It’s tough to win on a course that doesn’t fit your eye but this is a sweet one.
“If my kids are watching at home I love you guys, and my wife obviously. I can’t wait to get home and see them.”
Opening up a 3 shot lead. @Graeme_McDowell is in control with 3 to play at the #SaudiIntlGolf ? pic.twitter.com/dQMx3MqZbx
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) February 2, 2020
“The game of golf is in such great shape, so many great players, it’s so exciting to be a top player in the world and I want to be back up there again.
“I’ve got young kids at home and I want to show them that dad’s tough and dad can do it. I don’t want to have to pull up the YouTube videos.”
