McDowell optimistic about PIF deal and future of golf

Graeme McDowell in action at LIV Golf Las Vegas last year. Photo by Doug DeFelice/LIV Golf

Graeme McDowell is optimistic about the future of golf as the PGA Tour and Donald Trump attempt to complete a deal with Saudi Arabia’s PIF.

Speaking to BBC Sport NI after Royal Portrush named a hole on the redesigned Valley Course in his honour, the LIV Golf member said "we're starting to turn the corner".

"I'm really excited that things are going on to try and repair the damage that's been done and bring the best players in the world back together more often," McDowell said.

"That's the key really, for the fans, for the sponsors and for TV, having the best players in the world coming together more often I think is something we all want.

"What that means and what that looks like is something we don't know but I think everyone is very optimistic and hopefully the future of golf is bright.”

McDowell hopes to return to Portrush, where he learned the game at Rathmore Golf Club, for this summer’s Open Championship.

But he has work to do to qualify and will have his first chance to win one of three qualifying spots at next month’s International Series Macau on the Asian Tour.

"It's extremely important to me," McDowell said. "I've got a busy enough six months coming up but the major championships remain the most important events in the world.

"I've done all I can in the past three or four years to qualify for the Open and the US Open via the different routes and with the Open being at Portrush this year, it cranks up the intensity a little bit higher for me.

"I'm looking all over the world to see where there might be an opportunity and trying to go that extra mile to try and get into that tournament.”