McDowell looks to draw on Campbell's 'Everest' experience
Bernie McGuire, Loch Lomond, Scotland
Thursday, July 8th, 2010
New U.S. Open champion, Graeme McDowell was delighted to meet former U.S. Open winner Michael Campbell ahead of their appearance in the Barclay’s Scottish Open at Loch Lomond.
Campbell welcomed the Northern Irelander into the exclusive ‘U.S. Open Winner’s Club’ on the practice range at the Scottish event.
“It’s been just crazy since I won at Pebble Beach but to come back to the European Tour and receive all the congratulations from players like Cambo makes it all so special,” said McDowell.
“I remember watching Cambo competing in the 2005 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach and it was just so impressive how he kept Tiger (Woods) at arm’s reach to win.
“So I am sure when it all gets to settle down that there will be occasions when Cambo will get to spend a bit more time together but everyone has been so great.”
McDowell actually referred to Campbell in his pre-Barclays Scottish Open press conference and his first on the European Tour since winning at Pebble Beach nearly a month ago.
The Portrush pro had been asked if he felt a different person now that he had won a first Major Championsghip.
McDowell responded by saying he didn’t feel a different person nor will victory change him but that he was aware of the pitfalls tha.t come with winning a major.
He said: “It’s still early but I remember reading a quote from Michael Campbell and he said, ‘They teach you how to get to the summit of Mt. Everest but no one tells you how to get back down again’.
“I just thought that was a really great way to describe it.”
Campbell was made aware of McDowell’s remarks ahead of his opening round and indicated that with the right people around him, the affable McDowell should cope with the demands of being a Major Champion.
"Graeme's a pretty smart person and he seems to have a good management team plus he's also a very mature golfer, so he should be okay," said Campbell