NIRMcDowell joined golf’s elite in 2010, when he became only the second European to win the U.S. Open in 85 years. He followed up that victory at Pebble Beach a few months later by sinking the putt that clinched the Ryder Cup for Europe. Before joining LIV Golf, the Northern Irishman won 16 pro events worldwide, with two top-10 finishes in other majors, and has spent nearly 400 weeks in the world’s top 50. McDowell is a member of Smash GC, winners of LIV Golf Las Vegas in 2024.
QUICK FACTS ...
Greatest influence on golfing career? My dad
Golfer you most admire? Tiger Woods. Transcended the sport like no one else in history
Number of holes-in-one? 15
If you could play any course in the world, it would be … Augusta National
Golf achievement you’re most proud of? Playing four Ryder Cups
Round of golf you’ve enjoyed the most? Final round singles v. Spieth, 2014 Ryder Cup
Your perfect golf shot? The one needed under the most pressure in the moment
If you could acquire one trait from another golfer, what would it be? Major mindset and belief of Brooks
Shot that gives you the most difficulty? 30-yard flighted pitch, tight, grainy lie
Most interesting thing about being a professional golfer? Getting to travel the world playing the best courses in the best conditions
Stats
Winner of 16 tournaments worldwide, including the 2010 U.S. Open.
His victory in the U.S. Open ended a 40-year drought for Europeans in that event.
Has won tournaments in more than 10 different countries.
Has spent more than 20 weeks of his career as a top-5 player and nearly 400 weeks inside the world top 50.
Was ranked a career-best 4th in the world in 2011.
Won his first professional event in just his fourth starter after turning pro.
Provided the clinching point for Europe at the 2010 Ryder Cup.
As a college senior at the University of Alabama-Birmingham in 2002, he won six of 12 events and received the Haskins Award for outstanding college golfer.
WINS (1)
2010 U.S. Open – Became the first European to win the U.S. Open since Tony Jacklin in 1970 ... Was only player to not finish over par at Pebble Beach, shooting a final-round 74 to win at even par 284, one stroke ahead of Gregory Havret ... Held the 36-hole lead before falling three strokes behind Dustin Johnson after 54 holes ... Said McDowell: "I think I've died and gone to heaven for sure. This can't be really real. I don't think this will ever sink in."
STARTS AND FINISHES
Masters
Starts: 10
Best finish: 17th (2009)
Top 10s: 0
Cuts made: 3
PGA Championship
Starts: 15
Best finish: 10th (2009)
Top 10s: 1
Cuts made: 7
U.S. Open
Starts: 15
Best finish: Win (2010)
Top 10s: 2
Cuts made: 10
Open Championship
Starts: 14
Best finish: 5th (2012)
Top 10s: 2
Cuts made: 11
RYDER CUP HISTORY (Team Europe)
Appearances (4): 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014
Record (wins, losses, halves): 8-5-2
Total matches: 15
Singles (W-L-H): 3-1-0
Foursomes (W-L-H): 4-2-1
Four-balls (W-L-H): 1-2-1