Graeme McDowell: NI golfer ties for the eighth at Canadian Open to close a place at Royal Portrush

McDowell was the first winner of the United Kingdom in the twenty-first century

Graeme McDowell has sealed a place in his hometown Open in Royal Portrush by finishing eighth in the Canadian Open.

The man from Portrush has deflated a leg of 30 feet on the 18th hole on Sunday to ensure that he will play in the Open Championship in July.

McDowell & # 39; s fellow Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy has won the title.

The 39-year-old said last month that he would find it difficult to attend the Portrush event if he wasn't playing.

With regard to BBC Sport NI, McDowell had hinted that he might even need an R & A exemption to play in the tournament.

"I feel enormously relieved," McDowell said after finishing in eighth place.

"Just having a small share in getting The Open back to Royal Portrush was one of the braver moments in my career and it would have been extremely bittersweet for me playing in the field.

"I was confident in myself to complete the qualification in the next three or four weeks and it was great to do it in week one. I can now concentrate on getting myself ready for The Open instead of competing for qualifying spots.

"I haven't played that much since the new holes were made, so now I plan a small reconnaissance mission to play the course in the coming weeks.

" It's going to feel epic on that first tee. The fans are going to offer enormous support and are excited that the best players in the world are coming to Portrush. It will be very special. "

McDowell finished 10 for the tournament on Sunday after a final round of 68, which followed previous rounds of 65, 67 and 70.

Need to finish in the top 10 for a Place at The Open, McDowell had to break through the long distance gate after missing the fairway on the 18th hole.

He will now participate in the US Open next week at Pebble Beach, where he will be his only Grand Title in 2010