McDowell aims to mine more 'gold' in California

California has been one of Graeme McDowell's happiest hunting grounds and he is delighted to be back in the "Golden State" for this week's World Challenge.

The Northern Irishman won his first major title at the 2010 US Open at Pebble Beach in Northern California, then five months later he beat tournament host Tiger Woods in a playoff to clinch the World Challenge at Sherwood Country Club.

"Obviously it's nice to be back in this part of the world," McDowell said on Wednesday after competing in the tournament's pro-am competition.

"California has been pretty good to me during my career so far, especially this event. I was second in '09 and to win here in 2010 was very special."

McDowell was unable to defend his title at Sherwood last year, opting instead to play in the invitational Nedbank Challenge at Sun City, South Africa.

"Geographically it wasn't a good decision for me to come back here last year," he said. "I decided to go to Sun City before the Race to Dubai Championship because I figured it would be an easier journey from South Africa to Dubai.

"So it's great to be able to come back here this year. It's a good golf course and there are good memories for me here."

McDowell has not won anywhere since his 2010 World Challenge triumph, though he came close to adding a second major crown to his resume this year after playing in the last group in the final round of the US Open and the British Open.

Reuters