Northern Irish golfer Graham McDowell has won the Welsh Open and in the process placed himself firmly in the European tam Ryder Cup picture.

He won at Celtic Manor, venue for the Ryder Cup later this year and by demolishing the course seems set to push his way into Ryder Cup contention

McDowell ran away with the tournament by scoring 64 and 63 in the final two rounds and was ecstatic afterwards.

‘This was the best final round I’ve ever played and I’m ecstatic,’ said McDowell.

‘For the first 11 holes in particular it was dream golf and I feel this win will stand me in good stead for playing in the Ryder Cup.’

McDowell's victory makes it possible that Northern Ireland could have two players on the Ryder Cup team. Rory McIlroy is a
certainty to make it and now McDowell may join him

McDowell says the Welsh course will suit the Europeans more than the Americans

"It's very difficult to be specific when it comes to the Europeans' game versus the American game, but driving of the ball is the key around this golf course," McDowell said. "And I think we are better drivers of the ball than they are.

"They play a lot more wide open resort courses than we do. I really do think that tee to green we are a better team than them."