McDowell happy to share major return with son Wills

McDowell happy to share major return with son WillsImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, McDowell has been absent from majors for six years ByMatt GaultBBC Sport NI senior journalistPublished1 minute agoThere was a time when Graeme McDowell did not need to fret much about qualifying for major championships. Between 2008 and 2016, he made 34 consecutive appearances on golf's biggest stages, a run highlighted by a memorable 2010 US Open triumph at Pebble Beach.As a former world number four and four-time Ryder Cup player, McDowell became accustomed to contending at the highest level, but this week's US Open at Shinnecock Hills marks the 46-year-old's first major appearance in six years. While understandably thrilled to be back at the championship that gave him his greatest day, he feels this week is as much about his nine-year-old son Wills. "I wasn't sure I was ever going to get to show him me out here playing in it with the sands of time continuing to deplete," admitted Northern Ireland's McDowell."There's a large appreciation for me being here this week at a major. At a point of my career, these were automatic and when they get taken away from you, you realise how much you miss them and appreciate the opportunity to be on golf's biggest stages."McIlroy calls for US Open set-up 'caution'Published18 hours agoWill fearsome Shinnecock bring MacIntyre major redemption?Published1 day agoWhy Shinnecock may not offer the US Open test it has in the pastPublished1 day agoMcDowell's newfound appreciation for the major arena will likely be tested this week at Shinnecock. Arguably the toughest course on a US Open rota stocked with unforgiving tracks, McDowell joined fellow countryman Rory McIlroy in missing the cut at the iconic Long Island venue in 2018. With strong gusts forecast this week, McDowell predicts another severe examination as he bids to make the cut at a major for the first time since the 2019...