If at first you don't succeed, calm down and try to enjoy yourself. That's the revelation that hit Irish golf ace Graeme McDowell, in the aftermath of his disastrous 140th Open Championship run.

The Irish golfer told Golf365.com this week that he had been 'trying too hard' and it had turned him into 'a mental case' at the wind and rain-swept Royal Saint George's.

It's time for a change in approach he says. Instead of obsessing he will travel to Killarney for this week's Irish Open with his focus on fun because that way, he says, he plays his best golf.

McDowell told Golf365.com: 'Missing the cut in the Open was obviously very disappointing for me but I need to put that behind me regroup

'I have a few big weeks ahead and I'm going to try and enjoy them more.

'I'm going to continue to work hard but, put less pressure on myself - just go out there, play my best and try and enjoy it all a bit more.'

McDowell missed the cut by two shots in the Open and explained his mental approach was'all wrong.'

'Maybe I want it too badly. I need to take a close look at how I am thinking at the minute because I'm not thinking very well.'
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McDowell also spent last week at home in Portrush, County Antrim where Darren Clarke has also been celebrating his emotional Open victory.

'I am absolutely delighted for Darren. He thoroughly deserved his win. He has been playing very well for the last few months and a major was long overdue,' McDowell said.