McIlroy gets a boost from McDowell US Open win

FROM THE SKYSPORTS.COM WEBSITE
Rory McIlroy has revealed the US Open victory of close friend Graeme McDowell has given him a huge confidence boost.
The Northern Ireland youngster has endured an up-and-down season, the Quail Hollow Championship just before his 21st birthday in May but missing the cut at the Masters and Pebble Beach.
However, he feels his game is close to where it needs to be to contend at the Open at St Andrews later this month, and knows he has what it takes to succeed after watching countryman McDowell's dramatic win two weeks ago.
"I have played a lot with G-Mac (Graeme McDowell) over the years and to see what he has done lifts me," said the world number 10.
"If G-Mac can win the US Open the way he did I've played with him enough week in, week out to know that I can go out on any given week and do the same thing.
"I caught up with him last week. There was a big party for him and then he came down to our house and stayed with us and we played a game at Royal County Down.
"He is still buzzing from it. He's gone back to Orlando to get some practice in before the Scottish Open and the Open.
"It's a fantastic time for European golf and British and Irish golf in particular. I don't want to be the only Irishman on the Ryder Cup team without a major (Padraig Harrington has three).
"I've not been as consistent as I would have liked so far this year, but the win gave me a lot of confidence going into the second half of the season.
"The first two majors have been a disappointment, but I feel my game is nearly there and have done a lot of good work on my swing.
"We all know St Andrews well from playing the Dunhill (McIlroy was third there in 2007 just after turning professional and runner-up last October).
"It will be playing a bit different, bouncier and more fiery, but the Europeans will have a good chance."