Private Blog Network – Graeme McDowell came within a stroke of securing his first LIV Golf title at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia. The Northern Irishman delivered one of his strongest performances in recent years, reminding the golf world—and himself—that he still has the skill and resolve to compete at the highest level. McDowell, a former U.S. Open champion, went bogey-free in Sunday’s final round with a composed 66, pushing tournament leader Joaquin Niemann until the very last hole. Niemann, however, held firm with an eight-under-par 63, claiming his fourth LIV Golf title of the season.
McDowell took the solo lead midway through the final round, capitalizing on steady driving and sharp putting. His round was disrupted by two separate weather delays caused by heavy rain, but he managed to keep his composure through the interruptions. A birdie at the 17th gave him a real shot at tying Niemann’s score, but his birdie putt on the 18th slid just left of the hole, ending his charge one stroke short.
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Return to Form After Four-Year Win Drought
McDowell’s near-victory marks a significant upturn in form for the 45-year-old, whose last professional win came at the Saudi International in 2020. Despite limited success in recent seasons, he has continued to work diligently on his game, hoping to reignite the form that once made him a top-five player in the world. Across the three rounds in Virginia, McDowell made only two bogeys—an indication of how well-rounded his performance was from tee to green.
In post-round comments, McDowell expressed pride in his resilience and preparation. “Sometimes you need a little something back just to remind you that you’ve still got something left in the tank,” he said. The veteran golfer credited his strong driving and mental discipline for helping him stay in contention throughout the final round. “It’s hard to play loose when you haven’t been in that position for a while,” he admitted, “but I felt really comfortable out there.”
Weather Delays Test McDowell’s Momentum
Sunday’s final round was heavily impacted by weather delays, as thunderstorms rolled through the area in the afternoon. McDowell had to halt play twice, each time needing to reset and regain momentum. These interruptions came at crucial moments and could have easily derailed his rhythm. Still, he managed to stay sharp and closed with five birdies, giving himself a legitimate chance to force a playoff.
Despite narrowly missing the birdie on 18 that would have tied Niemann, McDowell took away several positives. “I just asked Joaco’s caddie what they did in the second break because whatever they did was good,” he said with a smile. The competitive fire clearly remains alive, and this result could prove to be the confidence boost he’s been seeking.
Eyes Set on Royal Portrush and Major Return
Having missed qualification for the 2024 U.S. Open, McDowell is now targeting a return to major championship golf at Royal Portrush. The Open Championship returns to Northern Ireland in July, and McDowell is eager to play in front of a home crowd. His last Open appearance came at Portrush in 2019, where he finished tied for 57th.
To earn his spot in this year’s field, McDowell will compete in final qualifying at Royal Cinque Ports in Kent after the next LIV Golf event in Dallas on 29 June. “I’m going to use this momentum going into Dallas and then into British Open qualifying,” he said. “Dallas is a course I like, and I’ve set my sights on those two weeks.”
McDowell Looks to Build on LIV Golf Momentum
This latest LIV Golf event has not only rekindled McDowell’s belief in his game but also placed him back into the competitive conversation. With his first top finish on the LIV circuit, McDowell believes he’s finally seeing the results of his dedication. “This is what I expect of myself still,” he said. “It’s really nice to get the juices flowing again. I’m super excited about the week.”
With his experience, determination, and renewed form, McDowell could be poised for a strong summer. His focus remains clear: play well in Dallas, qualify for the Open, and make the most of a rare home-soil major opportunity.