Graeme McDowell is hoping for a second straight Wales Open success to push him on to victory in the US Open.
McDowell hoping for Celtic Manor win ahead of US Open defence
Britain's Graeme McDowell is hoping for a second straight Wales Open success to push him on to victory in the US Open once again.
The 31-year-old was successful at Celtic Manor last June before going onto lift his first major at Pebble Beach.
Celtic Manor certainly has good memories for him - the world number five also landed the winning point at the venue to ensure Europe lifted the Ryder Cup last October.
He is now hoping for a repeat of his form in winning the Wales Open ahead of the defence of his US Open title at Congressional from June 16-19.
Best golf
McDowell said: "I played some of the best golf I've ever played on the weekend here, 64-63 to win.
"I took a huge amount of confidence away from this tournament and went from strength to strength at Pebble Beach and won there.
"It was certainly the catalyst for 2010. It was my kick-start to a major."
The Northern Irishman admits he underwent a fundamental change in his outlook ahead of his Wales Open triumph last year and has repeated the process this year.
Remember questioning
He explained: "I remember questioning what I was doing with my game with my coach Pete Cowen at Wentworth (in the PGA Championship last year) and going back to basics with my golf swing.
"We've gone through the same process this year, technically got a bit confused, gone back to basics and built it back up again. Something clicked last year and I'm hoping for the same this year."
McDowell will also derive great inspiration from sinking that memorable putt on the 16th hole at Celtic Manor en route to beating Hunter Mahan and making sure Europe lifted the Ryder Cup.
"My memories of last year here are probably a mixture of both but I would say it has got to be 90 percent Ryder Cup," he said.
"I'll certainly garner inspiration from that this week."
