Graeme McDowell adds his name to list of sporting greats.

What an extraordinary achievement! Last night,  Portrush golfer Graeme McDowell became the first European to lift a US Open Championship since Tony Jacklin in 1970, finishing just a shot ahead in a nail biting finish at Pebble Beach.

He's now also the first Brit to win a major since Paul Lawrie claimed the Claret Jug at Carnoustie in 1999.  And a Northern Irishman hasn't won one of golf's top prizes since Fred Daly's Open in 1947!

Most fans probably suspected that Rory McIlroy was the best local hope for a major, but, at thirty, McDowell is at the top of his game.  He has significant experience in the US, where he went to college and his form leading up to the tournament was good.  A couple of weeks ago he won the Wales Open.

So it was that Graeme McDowell became the right man, at the right time.  He has catapulted himself straight into the pantheon of Northern Irish sporting achievement and provided British, not to mention European golf a timely shot in the arm.

A rap over the knuckles for the Belfast Telegraph though.  The paper is catching up online, but this morning's edition cast around for an Irish winner in the wrong place.  "Harrington taking weight off his shoulders as he chases Major glory", reads the headline.  Should've looked a bit closer to home guys!

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