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Steven Paston

McDowell admits he 'hasn't been good enough' after tumble down the world rankings

The Northern Irishman begins his season in Qatar this week.

MAJOR WINNER GRAEME McDowell says he is targeting a return to golf’s top table despite a barren few years and a slump to number 91 in the world.

Speaking ahead of this week’s Qatar Masters, the 2010 US Open winner, who was once ranked as high as number four in the world, admitted his recent form has not been “good enough”.

“My on-course performance has not been… good enough the last few years,” the 37-year-old told reporters.

“I guess coming to the start of the next few years, I’ve tried to view it as a long road back toward the top of the game.

“That’s where I want to be again, give myself chances to win major championships again. I know I’ve got a lot of things to work on.”

The Northern Irishman, now based in Florida with a young family, has not won a tournament on the European Tour in almost three years.

He also missed out on selection for last year’s Ryder Cup at Hazeltine, and said he was desperate to be back in the team for 2018.

“I think that certainly was a big week for me to sit at home and watch that.

“It was very motivating, very inspiring. When I look to France to 2018, a golf course which I love, I certainly want to be there, that’s for sure.”

Despite his loss in form in recent years, McDowell still remains one of the biggest attractions at this week’s tournament in a field which includes rising stars such as Alex Noren and Tommy Fleetwood as well as veterans Ernie Els and Jose Maria Olazabal.

Also playing is the European team’s 2018 Ryder Cup captain, Thomas Bjorn.

This year is the 20th edition of the Qatar Masters, which is part of the European Tour’s “Desert Swing”, which sees tournaments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai as well as Qatar, in the first two months of the season.

Past winners in Doha include Adam Scott, Henrik Stenson and Sergio Garcia.

This year, players will battle it out for a $416,660 first prize.

The 2017 tournament is finishing for the first time on a Sunday, rather than Saturday to coincide with the final day of the weekend in the Gulf, to try and bump up global television audiences.

– Headline updated at 11.07am

© – AFP, 2017

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    Mute Liam Dunne
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    Jun 9th 2016, 5:45 PM

    Does any one else find people putting “look at me, i’m gas, so i am” slogans/images on the national flag a bit disrespectful?
    Its not done in support of anything other than their egos, so sites like the 42 can show it and let us all know what gas tickets these legends really are…….

    Respect the bloody flag!!

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    Mute Stephen Moore
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    Jun 9th 2016, 6:17 PM

    Sketch, its the fun police!

    74
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    Mute mark
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    Jun 9th 2016, 10:03 PM

    Think of it more as something funny on a green white and gold background if that makes ya feel better

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    Mute Andrew Martin Farrell
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    Jun 10th 2016, 3:09 AM

    The42 will be spending the entire summer reminding us how deadly we are

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    Mute Stephen Coveney
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    Jun 9th 2016, 5:55 PM

    Missed the Roy Keane one with the play on the conor mcgegor quote. “We’re not here to take over, we’re here to take part”
    Thought that was the best one ive seen

    114
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    Mute Stephen Coveney
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    Jun 9th 2016, 5:59 PM

    or have I just dreamt that. I can only find the proper quote on the flag. Still think my way is funnier

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    Mute kieran masterson
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    Jun 9th 2016, 7:39 PM

    Maybe we’re not that sharp after all

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    Mute Graham Young
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    Jun 9th 2016, 5:43 PM

    They are all shite. Embarrassing stuff.

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    Mute Paul Kennedy
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    Jun 9th 2016, 5:51 PM

    Cringe worthy crap

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    Mute Liam Dunne
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    Jun 9th 2016, 7:05 PM

    no, i just think our national flag should be treated with respect and not as a rag for lads who wanna get on “da tele”

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    Mute Paul Ahern
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    Jun 9th 2016, 11:06 PM

    ‘Angela Merkal thinks we’re at work’ the best ever.

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    Mute Brendan Byrne
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    Jun 9th 2016, 7:06 PM

    Them protestants, always up to no good

    41
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    Mute Etherman
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    Jun 9th 2016, 6:02 PM

    I wish some of the flag creators were posting on here. Might be happier. I enjoyed them.

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    Mute Sloop John G
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    Jun 9th 2016, 6:31 PM

    Though the Jack Grealish one was the best. In a couple of months when he’s struggling to get a game on a Championship side, people will be asking Jack who?

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    Mute Del Haven
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    Jun 9th 2016, 6:40 PM

    Yep, he would likely start if he’d opted for Ireland

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    Mute Dave O Keeffe
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    Jun 9th 2016, 8:08 PM

    He just won the Toulon tournament with the England U21s. Will probably be playing at a higher level than the Championship next year.

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    Mute John Brian Carthy
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    Jun 10th 2016, 12:06 PM

    Didn’t play in the final anyway, not even as a substitute

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    Mute Dave O Keeffe
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    Jun 10th 2016, 2:39 PM

    Scored two goals in the tournament

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    Mute Dave Murray
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    Jun 9th 2016, 6:01 PM

    Ah you shower of dry shites here. COYBIG.

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    Mute Del Haven
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    Jun 9th 2016, 6:39 PM

    Can you imagine, an actual shower of dry shite.

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    Mute Iarla O'Domhnall
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    Jun 10th 2016, 12:44 AM

    Wouldn’t be that dry for long?

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    Mute Kris Ertz
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    Jun 9th 2016, 6:08 PM

    So nothing about Ireland being warned by UEFA about training with a sponsor on their kit today? Or do the FAI want that kept quiet?

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    Mute Kris Ertz
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    Jun 9th 2016, 6:18 PM

    Also to stay on topic that Todd Umptious flag is outstanding

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    Mute EoinM
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    Jun 9th 2016, 6:24 PM

    Probably because it’s not news. Or interesting.

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    Mute Kris Ertz
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    Jun 9th 2016, 6:34 PM

    Well fair enough. But it’s shite on our fans that we are the ONLY team out of 24 that can’t buy a jersey/training gear without a fecking sponsor plastered on it. Thought it was at least a little paid back karma that the FAI were left redfaced with it today.

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    Mute Gerry with a J
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    Jun 9th 2016, 6:55 PM

    Wasn’t it Northern Ireland that were warned today? For wearing branded training gear

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    Mute Stephen Blake
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    Jun 10th 2016, 12:12 AM

    Try Jersey Shtore on FB….. u will get jerseys without sponsor :-)

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    Mute Joseph Devine
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    Jun 9th 2016, 7:30 PM

    I thought the father Ted one was best. Some feens need to lighten up big time on here.

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    Mute Pat Doogue
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    Jun 9th 2016, 8:03 PM

    So what number did Jack Grelish get for the England squad on holiday so missed this news!

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    Mute Dave O Keeffe
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    Jun 9th 2016, 8:09 PM

    2 goals in the Toulon tournament winning team

    4
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