Graeme McDowell Has Tiger to Thank for Life Changing Season

Remember back in December, when Tiger Woods' world was crashing down around him? It became evident Tiger was not going to participate in his own Chevron World Challenge. They needed an alternate to fill Tiger's spot. That went to Graeme McDowell.

For the first time, this event offered Official World Golf Ranking points. McDowell took full advantage, finishing second to Jim Furyk. That catapulted him into the top 50 in the world rankings at year's end, and gave him a slot in the Masters. From there, everything took off, leading to a US Open win and becoming the hero of the Ryder Cup.

Looking back, the Ulsterman knows he has Tiger to thank for his 2010 - even if only in some small measure.

Speaking with the Belfast Telegraph, McDowell said:

“What happened at the end of last season, and getting the invite to the Tiger Woods golf tournament, was the real catalyst for everything that has happened for me this year.

“I walked off the golf course in China, with Rory and myself just having lost the World Cup by a shot to the Molinari boys.

“My manager, Conor Ridge, then suggested there was a shadow of a chance, what with the Tiger Woods story unfolding that week, that I might get an invite into the Chevron World Challenge.

“As it so happened I was flying home from China to Orlando through LA that week so I said of course I would get off the flight there and take my chance.

“I don’t how Conor managed to do it, but we got the nod on the invite and then I go and finish second.

“I moved from 55th to 38th in the world, it got me into Augusta and smoothed up the start of the season. Then after Wentworth I get into the US Open right on the bubble at Number 50.

“So if I had not been top 50 at the end of last year, I maybe would not have got off to the start I had this year.

“Maybe I wouldn’t have got myself into the US Open and things like the Ryder Cup.

“It was just one of those very fateful moments.”

Who's to say what would've happened otherwise. McDowell may have found a way into the Masters, etc, and still had a great year. Or he may have gotten into both fields, done nothing, but made the Ryder Cup team. Who knows. But pretty interesting to remember that someone else's mistake afforded Graeme McDowell an opportunity to create an unforgettable year.