THE SCOTTISH Open is Graeme McDowell’s first event as a ‘no longer’ reigning Major champion, and while it would be foolish to rule out him becoming a multiple Major winner, McDowell has now drawn a line under that part of his career.

“The only negative impact the US Open had on me last year was it being a bit of a weight, dragging me back, and stopping me from looking forward,” he said.

“It was also stopping me from setting new goals and motivating myself to be the best player I can be.

“I had a decent 12 months, I played well, I played very well for some six to eight months afterwards, but then had a sluggish three or four months.

“But that was inevitable and I’m very happy with my 12 months as US Open champion. I’m also very happy that weight has been removed and I’m looking forward to moving on and achieving more things in the game.

“Tasting that kind of success, you want more of it, so I’m excited. I’m feeling good.”

But while a weight has been lifted from McDowell’s shoulders, it’s been transferred to Rory McIlroy’s.

Phil Mickelson was asked if he thought it was too early to be labelling McIlroy, as some have, as the next Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods.

“It’s hard to say, as his performance at the US Open was spectacular,” said Mickelson.

“But what Jack and Tiger have done throughout their career demands respect, too, and until somebody performs at that level for a decade, it’s not fair to Jack or Tiger to compare anybody with them.”

STRONG

McDowell, along with triple Major winner Pádraig Harrington, will be part of a nine-strong Irish contingent in the Scottish event, which also boasts the top two world-ranked players in Luke Donald and Lee Westwood.

Mickelson, who is grouped with Harrington for the first two rounds, heads a strong field of Americans, including Ryder Cup colleague Matt Kuchar along with Ryan Moore, bighitting Gary Woodland, Brandt Snedeker and recent Texas Open winner Brendan Steele.

Asked if he had concerns for Woods’s well-being in the long-term, Mickelson stopped well short of reaching for his hankie.

“I really believe that when you’ve played golf at a level he’s played at, you just don’t forget how to play,” he said.

“But it won’t happen until he’s healthy. I just don’t see how it’s possible to happen until he’s fully healthy.”