Graeme McDowell: Former US Open champion conquers first victory since 2015

Graeme McDowell has slipped to 257th on the world ranking of a career-high fourth

Northern Ireland Graeme McDowell brought a four-year wait for a victory to an end with the victory at the Corales Puntacana Resort and Club Championship.

The former US Open champion finished a final round 69 to 18 and achieved a one-off victory in the PGA tour in the Dominican Republic.

Mackenzie Hughes of Canada and American Chris Stroud equated to second.

McDowell, 39, is 257th in the world rankings, with the win that gives him a two-year PGA Tour exemption.

The Portrush player, who started the final with a single-leg lead, fell behind Stroud, but it all changed on the 17th.

McDowell birdied the hole while playing partner Stroud dropped a shot, moving the former European Ryder Cup player back to a one-shot lead.

Celebration time for Graeme McDowell after his victory in the Dominican Republic

Both players bombed the last hole to leave McDowell as champion, while Paul Dunne in Ireland finished 12th out of 12 under.

The event was disputed by players who did not qualify for this week's WGC Match Play event in Texas.

McDowell has guaranteed access to the US Open at Pebble Beach, where he won in 2010, but still has to earn a place in The Open at his Royal Portrush home club.