McDowell "11 Wins in Europe"... Johnson 2nd Place

Saudi International Final Day '2-Stroke Victory', Mickelson Finishes 3rd

Graeme McDowell is posing for a commemorative photo with the trophy right after winning the Saudi International. King Abdullah Economic City (Saudi) = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] Graeme McDowell (Northern Ireland) has reached a total of 11 wins on the European Tour.

In the early morning of the 3rd (Korean time) at the Royal Greens Golf Club (par 70, 7,010 yards) in King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia, McDowell maintained an even-par score on the final day of the Saudi International (total prize money $3.5 million) to secure a 2-stroke victory (12 under par, 268 strokes). This is his first win in 5 years and 7 months since the Alstom Open in July 2014. The winner's prize money is $580,000 (approximately 697 million KRW). On the PGA Tour, he recorded his 4th career win last April at the Corales Championship.

McDowell is also familiar to domestic fans for his victory at the European Tour Valentine Championship held at Jeju Pinx Golf Club in March 2008. At that time, he tied with Jeev Milkha Singh (India) and finally secured the winning birdie on the third hole of the playoff. He rose to the ranks of major champions by winning the 2010 US Open. He drew even more spotlight by competing in the final stages against Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Dustin Johnson (all from the USA).

Starting the day with a one-stroke lead, he recorded 3 birdies and 3 bogeys. He struggled until the 13th hole (par 4) with 3 bogeys and 1 birdie but gained momentum with consecutive birdies on the 14th and 15th holes. His average driving distance was 300 yards, with a greens in regulation rate of 69.6%, and an average of 1.8 putts per hole. McDowell also said, "The birdie on the 14th hole was a turning point that restored my confidence," and revealed his hunter instinct by stating, "I will break into the world ranking 'Top 50' and play in the Masters."

Johnson's bid for a 'second consecutive win' stopped at 2nd place (10 under par, 270 strokes). Although he made two eagles on the par 5 4th and 18th holes, he was held back by 2 bogeys and 1 birdie. Veteran Phil Mickelson (USA) finished tied for 3rd place (9 under par, 271 strokes). Mickelson notably chose to participate in the 'Saudi expedition' instead of the PGA Tour Phoenix Open, with which he has a special connection this week, creating off-course buzz. This is truly the 'oil dollar power.' World No. 1 Brooks Koepka (USA) remained tied for 17th place (4 under par, 276 strokes).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.