McDowell: I felt Irish golf fans were still proud of me

Graeme McDowell came to the 2010 JP McManus Pro-Am as golf's latest major winner, twelve years on he landed this week to Adare Manor as one of the controversial faces of the new Saudi-backed LIV golf series.

McDowell admitted that he wasn’t sure what reaction he would get from the fans but, speaking to RTÉ Sport after his opening round of 71, he said he still felt as though he had support out on the course.

"I'm here maybe not feeling as celebratory and welcome as I was maybe 12 years ago, last time I was here I just won the US Open," said the 42-year-old.

"It was a real celebration for me but this time I'm obviously here under slightly more negative connotations. I'm disappointed that that's kind of where we are in the world of golf.

"Irish golf fans, they love golf and they're proud of their players. I felt like they were still proud of me out there this morning."

The 2010 US Open winner says this week is a celebration of golf and a chance to get away from the negativity surrounding the sport.

"There's no focus on LIV, there's no focus on the negativity that's surrounding the game of golf," he continued.

"This is a celebration of golf these two days, it's a celebration of a family that are extremely special here in Limerick, and obviously, the island of Ireland."

McDowell added that organiser JP McManus has brought some of the game's biggest names together and that he's hopeful that the tournament can help to repair some of the damaged relationships.

"JP McManus has brought five tours together and some of the most important people in golf.

"It’s maybe the last time these people are together for a little while and let's hope they can all sit down over a pint of Guinness tonight, and maybe try and sort stuff out a little".

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