McDowell feels close to "big result"

Graeme McDowell reckons he’s ready to peak for the Masters after another lucrative week at the Tavistock Cup.

The Ulsterman grabbed $300,000 as he finished second in the individual standings and helped Lake Nona beat Isleworth in their annual challenge.

Now he’s hoping to put the finishing touches to his Augusta preparations with a big week in this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Second at Bay Hill in 2005, McDowell said: “My form has been good the last few months, and I feel I’m close to getting a big result soon

“I only have one top-10 in Doral to show so far this season but all areas of my game are in good shape, and my performance at the Tavistock Cup, on the extremely difficult course with some of the fastest greens we will play all year is a good sign

“Bay Hill is a great event, and I am delighted to playing here this week.  I needed a big performance at Doral to stay within the top-50 and gain entry to Mr Palmers event, and I did just that.”

McDowell added: “I had a poor weekend here last year, but finished second in 2005 and it’s a course I like.  There is a really strong field and I’m hoping to finish on a high before I go to Augusta to prepare for the Masters.”

With Padraig Harrington and Rory McIlroy not set to return until next week’s Shell Houston Open, McDowell is the only Irishman in action in Orlando this week.

He’s been draw with Japanese teenage sensation Ryo Ishikawa and Australian Steve Elkington for the first two rounds.