G-Mac Returns Victorious This Afternoon

The US Open champion, Graeme McDowell, will be arriving in his native Northern Ireland today to what is expected to be a hero's welcome.

After fulfilling a round of media engagements in the United States, including an appearance on the primetime and statewide Jay Leno show, the 30-year-old Ulsterman will be flying into Belfast and a media barrage before heading to his hometown of Portrush.

McDowell had intended to play in next week's French Open but his management are reconsidering after the win at Pebble Beach, which elevated him to 13th in the world rankings, and guaranteed his place on the Ryder Cup team for Celtic Manor in October.

McDowell's unprecedented win has even made waves in the Irish Daíl this morning, where Fine Gael Tourism Spokesperson Olivia Mitchell said the Irish Government must capitalise on the potential of Graeme's victory by marketing Ireland as a golf tourism venue to US visitors.

"Ireland has a right to describe itself as the cradle of European golf. We have world famous golfers such as Padraig Harrington, Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy and Paul McGinley and internationally renowned golf courses.

"However, the potential of marketing the country as a prime golf tourism venue is going untapped."

Ms Mitchell said that overall, the numbers visiting here are down hugely, with 3,500 fewer visitors to Ireland every day in 2010 and that the abundance of high quality golf courses is a major advantage that should be used.

"The untapped potential here is clear for all to see, the Government needs to redirect resources so that it can be capitalised upon," she added.

Graeme McDowell's next appearance is expected to be the JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am at Adare Manor on Monday and Tuesday then onto the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond before the British Open in St Andrew's.

McDowell will play at this year's Three Irish Open, when the tournament returns to Killarney Golf and Fishing Club from July 29th to August 1st.

(DW/BMcC)