Ryder Cup target for G-Mac after Saudi International victory

Graeme McDowell put himself firmly in the frame for a Ryder Cup return after a battling victory in the Saudi International.

McDowell began the final round with a one-shot lead and a closing level-par 70 in tough scoring conditions at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club was enough to seal a first European Tour title since 2014.

The win is set to lift McDowell from 104th in the world rankings to back inside the top 50, less than a year after the 2010 US Open champion found himself a lowly 257th.

Defending champion Dustin Johnson made his second eagle of the day on the 18th to finish two shots behind McDowell on 10 under for the tournament, with Phil Mickelson, Thomas Pieters and Gavin Green a stroke further back.

An emotional McDowell fought back tears as he said: “It’s tough to win on a course that doesn’t fit your eye but this is a sweet one.

“If my kids are watching at home I love you guys, and my wife obviously. I can’t wait to get home and see them.

“A big goal this year was to be back in the top 50, it’s come a little faster than I expected. I’ve been working hard the last year-and-ahalf to try and get myself back up there one more time just to be out there playing against these guys.

“The game of golf is in such great shape, so many great players, it’s so exciting to be a top player in the world and I want to be back up there again.

“I’ve got young kids at home and I want to show them that dad’s tough and dad can do it. I don’t want to have to pull up the YouTube videos.”

It was McDowell’s 11th European Tour win and first since he successfully defended the French Open in 2014.

McDowell added: “It’s been 10 years since I won a US Open, 10 years probably since I played the best golf of my life.

“I feel like I’m moving back in the right direction.

“I have a solid team, life’s settled down. I’ve got a great wife and great family, I’m very happy with what’s going on in my life right now. I feel like the ripples in the pond have steadied out a little bit now and I’m in a good place to play some good golf.”

Stephen Gallacher and Richie Ramsay finished as the leading Scots on three under.

Craigielaw’s Grant Forrest was one shot further back, while Drumoig’s Connor Syme was one over and Scott Jamieson four over.

Picture: AP.