“It's been a mildly frustrating year for me,” McDowell

Graeme McDowell made the cut in all four majors this year but he hasn't won and decided to reflect by skipping this week's Castellon Masters in Spain.

The Ulsterman confessed to the Belfast Telegraph's Peter Hutcheon that his swing has "gone cold" and hopes to have things ironed out before heading east at the weekend for next week's Barclays Singapore Open.

He must win there to join Rory McIlroy, Padraig Harrington and Tiger Woods in the HSBC Champions later next month and ensure that he finishes the year inside the world's top 50.

Down 21 places this year from 33rd to 54th, McDowell has had just two top 10s this season and needs a boost before Christmas to put his mind at ease and ensure a stress free holiday.

“With the Ryder Cup points being an every week deal I'm trying to get a few points on the board before Christmas and give myself something to think about in the off-season,” he said.