McDowell happy to be in thick of things

Graeme McDowell is looking to build on his fifth place at the Dubai Desert Classic at this week's inaugural Indian Masters after the Northern Irishman gave several of the world's top players "a run for their money" at the Emirates Golf Club last week.

The 28-year-old from Portrush was four shots adrift of champion Tiger Woods after carding four sub-par rounds, a feat not achieved by the world number one, but he also finished ahead of defending champion Henrik Stenson and world number 12 Sergio Garcia.

McDowell outscored Woods on Saturday, shooting 69 to the American's 73 — his first over-par round since the second day of last year's Open.

However, a final-round 70 was not enough to lift him into contention and a bogey at his penultimate hole left him 10 under for the tournament.

"It was a real positive week in general. I never really got in with a chance to win the tournament, I was always two or three shots back chasing," said McDowell.

"I was a little disappointed at the end but it was a great week's work. There were some of the best players in the world playing so I am pretty positive about my game.

"I had to go for it at the end; you always want to win and not finish second or third.

"I have got to be happy. With a leaderboard with some of the best players in the world and I have given them a run for their money, I can only be happy with that."

McDowell will look to continue his form at this week's #1.2million Indian Masters alongside world number five Ernie Els, who finished third in Dubai, David Howell, Thomas Bjorn and Darren Clarke.

The 2004 Italia Open and 2002 Scandinavian Masters champion played at the Delhi Golf Club in the 2006 Indian Open, where he failed to make the cut at seven-over-par, but is confident of a better result this time around.

"It's a golf course I have played before and I am taking some confidence over there with me and I am looking forward to it," said McDowell, who was a member of the Great Britain and Ireland team which retained the Walker Cup in 2001.

"Delhi is a unique city, the golf course is very unique as well as it's right in the middle of the city. It's a pretty cool course. It's very tight, tree-lined, plus there is a good field with a decent purse.

"I am looking forward to it. My game feels in good shape and it's early in the season so it's nice to have some confidence, you have to keep the pedal down when you are feeling good."