Graeme McDowell has Georgia on his mind. But if this 21 year-old wunderkind is to challenge the Americans for the Walker Cup in the steamy southern state, he may have to reproduce some of the sensational form he showed last year.

Michael Hoey's brilliant win in the British Amateur Championship at Prestwick has almost certainly cemented his place in the side to meet the Americans.

Now McDowell must produce he goods and help make it an Ulster double act alongside his Belfast buddy at Sea Island. With plans to turn professional next summer and some of the world's top sports management companies competing for his signature, McDowell wants to bow out of the amateur scene in style.

"If I can play in the Walker Cup and then the Eisenhower side next year then I think I'll have done all there is to do in amateur golf," he said this week. "But I'm trying not to get too far ahead of myself."

If they aren't already convinced McDowell can prove that he's more than ready to battle the Americans when he begins his defence of the Golfsure Irish Close Championship at Rosses Point today.

What better way to show the people that count that his exploits of last summer weren't just a flash in the pan. McDowell roared in from Alabama during the summer holidays last year and swept the board, winning the Irish Close, the South of Ireland, the Irish Youths and Leinster Youths championships.

Not only that, he also captured the World Universities individual crown, the Palmer Cup for Great Britain and Ireland and finished joint second in the European Amateur Championships in Austria.

But all that still might not be enough to guarantee his place in the side that will defend the Walker Cup in Georgia in from August 11 to 12, despite a superb showing on the American Collegiate circuit.

The 21 year-old from Portrush came back from the United States as an official All American golfer just two weeks ago. And despite his record-breaking performances for the University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB), leading his college to the NCAA finals for the first time, McDowell has been overtaken by his good mate Hoey in the race to make the Walker Cup team.

"I thought I had the edge over Michael for Walker Cup selection but he's jumped ahead of me now," admitted McDowell.

"But it's great for Ulster golf and Irish golf in general and if he makes the team I hope to be in there with him. "Obviously the team won't be picked on the basis of one event I think the European Team Championships in Sweden next month will be vital."

Ominously for his rivals, now McDowell reckons he's an even better player than he was last year. Stronger and longer than ever he's going to take some stopping over the summer months. His appearance in the Shell Houston Open earlier this season a reward for winning the South of Ireland last year, was an indication of his increased power off the tee.

Although he failed to make the cut, he still managed to finish an incredible EIGHTH in driving distance that week with an average drive of 312 yards.

"It might be a bit deceptive because some of the holes they measured on were downwind but I'm hitting the ball further than ever," he revealed. "When I went to the States I was one of the shortest hitters on the team at about 260 yards but now I'd say I'm hitting it around 285 regularly and I'm the longest hitter on the UAB team."

He's also knocked two shots off his stroke average, carding a mean 71.3 a round in the States this year to make "second All American."

"The Top ten guys are the All American team and I finished 16th to be Second All American which is something I'm very proud of," he said.

No one knows better than McDowell just how difficult it will be to retain the Walker Cup in the American's back yard. But the youngster from Portrush town reckons they can be beaten.

"The strength in depth in the US is incredible and they're going to be really tough to beat with players like Bryce Molder averaging 69 in collegiate golf this season," he revealed. "They're just so confident all the time and I think some of that has rubbed off on me and hopefully I can be an asset to the team if I selected."

Back on home soil, McDowell is taking his defence of the Close very seriously and even made a midweek dash to Sligo to reacquaint himself with the nuances of the famous Rosses Point links. "I'm trying not to think about retaining the title too much. Matchplay is unpredictable but I played a practice game there last Tuesday and had six birdies on a calm day, which was nice and a bit of fun too.

"But I've had a great year. I won the Alabama Spring Invitational and the Atlanta Inter-Collegiate tournaments and UAB qualified for the NCAA finals for the first time and finished 12th, which was a very emotional," he explained with a slight Alabama twang in his voice.

The kid from the Rathmore club I finished 16th individually after starting with a disappointing 75. But he was disappointed with his performance in the British Amateur Championship just days after his return to Europe.

"I was tired after the flight back and couldn't get up for it, " he explained. "Maybe I could have done with a friend or a brother there just to give me a boost. Let's hope I'm a bit sharper than that from now on."

Golf shorts

David Higgins is hoping that a little brotherly love will help turn his season around.

The Waterville golfer has had a tough start to the year, missing 11 cuts in 17 events.

"My confidence is low so I'm taking the next two weeks off to work on my game with my brother Brian," he explained.

"When you don't go for your shots and play conservatively it's more difficult and with Brian hopefully we'll get back in the groove."

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Things can't get much better for Alison Coffey. The winner of the St Rule Trophy at St Andrews recently, Coffey will lead the Irish Ladies in the European Team championship at Monte Castrove Golf Club in Spain from July 10-14.

The Warrenpoint champion already looks like a certainty to win the ILGU Order of Merit now that she holds a massive 415-point lead over Sinead Keane.

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Last week was a good one for former students of Clemson University. As Michael Hoey clinched the British Amateur Championship, Richie Coughlan made his first cut since the Honda Classic in March at the FedEx St Jude Classic.

"I was a little disappointed to finish 42nd after opening with a 64 but I'm getting there," said Coughlan. "But I'm delighted for Michael too."

The Birr golfer back to full fitness after missing much of April and May with a rib injury. Yoga-loving Eamonn Brady is back in action on the Canadian Tour.

After a long break in Dublin while the Canadian Tour took a winter break, he's all set to chase the McDonald's Money List title.

Currently fifth in the list with $25,088 to his name, thanks to his first tour win at Myrtle Beach in February, laid-back Brady is just $15,000 behind money leader Aaron Barber. Lets hope he doesn't get too relaxed.

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© Brian Keogh 2001

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