The Open 2019: McDowell proud of & # 039; phenomenal & # 039; Open in Royal Portrush

Graeme McDowell fired a final round 77 and finished in four par.

Portrush resident Graeme McDowell says he is "proud of the city, Northern Ireland and the whole island of Ireland" after a "phenomenal" 2019 Open Championship

McDowell placed a final round six-over-par 77 on Sunday and finished in fourth over for the tournament in Royal Portrush.

"I am overwhelmed by comments from players, caddies, and even TV crews who have said this are the best links they have ever seen," McDowell said.

"Some say this is the best Open Championship they have ever been to."

"That's just special, for a man who grew up here and comes from the city it's great .I love this place and it is the realization of a dream to have the Open Championship come back here, to see all the fans there who make such a wonderful atmosphere, "says McDowell.

Sold out crowds of people have packed the Dunluce left in the north coast of Northern Ireland all week, making it the second best visited Open behind the 2000 event in St Andrews.

"The people who offered their support this week are overwhelmingly courageous and have had such excitement to have this great event here in Portrush and on the island of Ireland," said the North. A few minutes after receiving a captivating reception in front of the grandstand with 4,000 seats on the 18th green

Graeme McDowell is flooded with positive comments about Royal Portrush

McDowell registered a birdie at the first and a double-bogey at the eighth on his outward nine on Sunday but five bogeys on his inward nine during his final round saw him fall down on the leaderboard for a tie for 58th place .

"I wish I could have played a little better at the end, but I have not let it be destroyed nine times in the past week and how I feel about it because it has been such a great experience on so many levels, "he said."

"It was disappointing today, but the golf course finally found me a little bit. At the moment I am not 100% up for the day.

] "When it got tough there, I couldn't get it on the course and I lost a ball at the eighth – that blew the wind off my sails a little.

" The golf course has been phenomenal and the R & A have done a phenomenal job for the players. The golf course is exceptionally well presented and an Irishman at the top of the leader board is so special. "

McDowell was the only player from Northern Ireland who took the decision after Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke failed in their attempts to make the last two league days.