McDowell aiming for more majors

Graeme McDowell defends his US Open title in Washington this coming week motivated by the desire to prove he is no one-hit wonder in the majors.

The 31-year-old is looking to take his career to the next level - just as Padraig Harrington did after capturing the 2007 Open. Harrington made a successful defence at Birkdale, then won the US PGA title as well. The first had not been done by a European since 1906, the second since 1930.

"Subconsciously we all want to prove ourselves," he said. "I don't want to be a one-hit wonder - I want to be the best player I can be. What have I got? Five, 10, maybe 15 years of probably the prime of my career. Can I get better? Yeah."

He added: "I've got a hell of a lot of improving to do. There are so many areas of my game that I can get much, much better at.

"I really do believe I've got the game to win an Open. Links is in my blood - always has been - and I'd love to win an Open.

"But you've got to take every week as it comes and Congressional is going to be a huge milestone for me."

Much though he has loved his year in the spotlight, holding one of the game's four biggest trophies for the first time has taken some getting used to and placed so many more demands on his time.

"I'm excited to get there and have that weight lifted off my shoulders," adds McDowell.