Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell believes the British Open has eclipsed the Masters at Augusta for prestige.
McDowell tees off at the British Open at Hoylake, England, on Thursday, looking to add to his U.S. Open victory in 2010. He sees the one major played in Europe as having returned to an elite position.
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"Augusta kind of has the same mystique and tradition as well because of the venue, and what it creates and kind of walking in the footsteps of the greats," McDowell said.
"But The Open Championship seems to maintain that mystique as it goes around the various golf courses, it maintains that kind of pride, tradition, history, all of the above and the claret jug's a bit special."
McDowell, winner of the 2010 U.S. Open, wants to be more than a one-hit wonder. He has 10 European Tour wins— eight since 2008 — but he is targeting bigger prizes. The British Open is in his sights.
"It would mean huge amounts to me, I feel like I'm ready to kick on to the next chapter in my career now and compete and win more major championships," McDowell said.
"I've learned a lot over the last few years," McDowell said. "This is my kind of golf course, this week."
THE LINEMAKERS: Looking for long shots at Hoylake