IAN Woosnam is unlikely to be wearing the Green Jacket next Sunday night as US Masters champion, though one ‘adopted Welshman’ might.

For former Cardiff resident Graeme McDowell will head to the Augusta National this week as part of the proud European contingent at the top end of world golf, all of whom have a genuine shot at claiming the first golfing Major of the season.

“Obviously it would be a huge honour to be able to slip that jacket on my shoulders at any stage during my career,” said McDowell, who set up home in the Welsh capital with former girlfriend Kimberley Stanworth in 2003 before splitting up some time later.

“Augusta is a truly special place and the Masters is a phenomenal and unique golf tournament steeped in history.

“I was lucky enough to experience the thrill of winning a Major last year at Pebble Beach and to experience winning the Masters at some point would be a really special feeling.

“All I can do is work hard and prepare myself as best I can, but everyone who knows me knows that to be in the mix on the back nine of a Sunday afternoon at Augusta is a challenge I would relish.”

Being in that situation would bring immense pressure, but the seven-time European Tour champion showed last year he is more than equipped to handle the demands of big-time professional golf.

Two weeks after winning the Wales Open title at Newport’s Celtic Manor, McDowell kept his head at Pebble Beach to become the first European golfer in 40 years to win the US Open.

He followed that up with an ice-cool display in the anchor match of the Ryder Cup singles back at the Celtic Manor Resort, beating Hunter Mahan 3&1 to ease Europe over the winning line.

As well as having the ‘bottle’ to handle such situations, McDowell admitted that preparing the groundwork thoroughly before any Major was vital – and nowhere more so than among the azaleas.

“Augusta requires every aspect of your game to be absolutely razor sharp,” he added.

“You need to drive it well, know where to land the ball on the greens, and, even more importantly, know where not to hit it on the greens.

“Furthermore, your short game needs to be in good shape and you must putt well.

“Good preparation is key and I’ll be spending time playing Augusta this week to map out how I will play each hole.”

From www.walesonline.co.uk