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Graham McDowell is the edging closer to making history as he sets his sights on becoming the first golfer for 77 years to win the Alstom Open de France three years running at Le Golf national this week.
In 1938, Marcel Dallemagne achieved this feat, lifting the oldest Open three times in succession. Furthermore, only five players have landed a trio of European Tour titles in the same event.
McDowell will be hoping to join an illustrious list which currently includes Ian Woosnam, Sir Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie, Tiger Woods and Ernie Els.
“Having a chance to win a tournament three times in a row is very special,” said the 2010 US Open Champion. “I’ve always enjoyed this golf course, right back in the early days when I would come here.”
Two years ago, the Northern Irishman rounded off an impressive four shot victory, but last season’s competition was a lot more fierce, narrowly beating American Kevin Streelman who missed the putt on the final hole.
“The two wins were obviously very different,” added McDowell. “You always like to win a tournament, as opposed to be given it to a certain extent. So from that point of view, I guess 2013 was a bit more special than 2014.
“But winning a tournament back to back is also very special. In the aftermath, winning last year was very special to me but in terms of the flavour in which it was won, I would have much rather won in a play-off in the end. But you take what you’re given I suppose.”
Despite putting together an impressive performance at the BMW PGA Championship and Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, McDowell has only recorded one top ten finish this calender year.
But the Irishman remains focused to claim this prestigious honour, taking the 35 year old into the record books for an impressive haul.
