Graeme McDowell Hoping For ‘Comeback Season’ After Signing New LIV Golf Deal
The 2010 US Open winner has joined Smash GC after his contract with Cleeks GC was not renewed following a year of poor form


Graeme McDowell is hoping 2024 will be his 'comeback season' after agreeing a deal to join Brooks Koepka's Smash GC in the LIV Golf League.
McDowell did not have his two-year contract renewed with Martin Kaymer's Cleeks GC at the culmination of the most recent LIV campaign, where he finished 42nd in the standings after failing to record a top-10 result in 13 events.
During the inaugural LIV campaign, in which he played all eight events, the 44-year-old only managed two top-20 results and a best finish of 12th.
But with a forgettable start to life on LIV in the books, the 2010 US Open winner is hoping to start with a clean slate and show Koepka in particular he was worth gambling on.
Speaking to LIV Golf, McDowell said: “I know what I'm still capable of. I really feel like I've started to play great the last few months and I'm just missing that little bit of X factor.
"I feel like the X factor's going to come from the pressure of trying to hang with a guy like Brooks Koepka, who's one of the best players in the world, the intensity and the mentality that he brings. I think it's just what I need for myself to see if I can produce the golf that I know I'm still capable of."
A post shared by Smash Golf Club (@smashgc)
A photo posted by on
A former Major winner and a key part of several Ryder Cup victories for Team Europe, McDowell's form since the beginning of 2017 has not been up to the level the Northern Irishman would have hoped for - missing around 50 per cent of all cuts on both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
But the 44-year-old insists he still has what it takes to compete at the very top and believes having the carrot of a five-time Major winner in his corner will only help push him on.
Discussing the effect McDowell believes Koepka will have on his game, the former said: "Having a chance to go and chase him every day, I think that's just what I need in my career. I need that extra motivation, I need that extra little bit of pressure.
"Kind of learn something from him, his psyche, the way he goes about things. Obviously, his Major championship record speaks for itself. I'm really excited, and I think Smash GC can have a massive year.
“I'm hoping ‘24 is going to be the comeback season for me. Compete, try and win an event or two. Like I say, perfect timing for me right now.”
Once World No.4, McDowell was the first to admit his form was not good enough in 2023 but remained "disappointed" his old team did not present a second opportunity.
But having spoken to Koepka's long-term caddie, Ricky Elliott - a fellow Portrush man - once he knew a back-up plan would be needed, McDowell was delighted the stress of searching for a new job did not last too long.
“It’s been a difficult time the last couple of months, obviously being out of contract and looking at the rankings, doing the math and realizing there wasn't really going to be a lot of open opportunities and open slots within LIV for me to be able to slot into,” McDowell said.
Brooks Koepka and caddie Ricky Elliott during a practice round before the 2023 Masters
“Being able to have relationships and have respect levels from guys like Brooks was really, really important. I obviously didn't want to put Ricky in a tough situation with Brooks and kind of be an advocate for me coming to Smash next year, but certainly there were plenty of whispers in the ears over a few beers, trying to kind of say, Hey, listen, how cool would this be? Can you put a good word in for me with the chief?
“I was disappointed that the Cleeks wanted to move in a different direction, didn't want to pick me up. But I guess sometimes things happen for a reason. I couldn’t be happier than I am right now.”
Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Joaquin Niemann. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and recently reached his Handicap goal of 18 for the first time. He attended both the 150th and 151st Open Championships and dreams of attending The Masters one day.
-
Finally! Rory McIlroy's New Nike Shoes Have Arrived And Here Is How You Can Get Them
After months of waiting, the latest Victory Tour shoes have gone on sale, and here I have detailed how you can get a pair.
By Sam Tremlett Published
-
Valero Texas Open 2025 Picks, Predictions And Odds
The last event before The Masters takes place at the Valero Texas Open, where there is one final spot available for the first men's Major of 2025
By Matt Cradock Published
-
LIV Golf Unveils Its Own Version Of Creator Classic Featuring Grant Horvat, Rick Shiels, Fat Perez And Bryan Bros
Taking place at LIV Golf Miami, six players from the circuit will play alongside six of the game's biggest content creators in a nine-hole scramble event
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Carlos Ortiz 'Overjoyed' To Earn Open Championship Spot After Pulling Away From LIV Rivals During International Series Macau Victory
The Mexican finished with a blistering six-under 64 to earn his second Asian Tour prize and clinch a spot at the 153rd Open Championship
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
LIV Golf Leaderboard At International Series Macau - Open Spots Up For Grabs As Multiple LIV Pros In Contention Going Into Final Day
After a busy Moving Day at Macau Golf and Country Club, a number of LIV golfers are in contention for the victory and a potential spot at The Open Championship
By Matt Cradock Last updated
-
'If We Want To Figure Out Why The Game Of Golf Is Not Back Together, Go Ask Those Guys' - Scottie Scheffler Insists LIV Golfers To Blame For Golf's Big Divide
Scottie Scheffler reiterated his stance that LIV golfers were to blame for the continued split in men's pro golf, while insisting the PGA Tour still had a better standard
By Paul Higham Published
-
Paul McGinley Proposes ‘One Of The Things That I Think LIV Have Got Right’ To Be Applied To PGA Tour
The Golf Channel analyst thinks a key change implemented by LIV Golf could make all the difference to the PGA Tour
By Mike Hall Published
-
Joaquin Niemann Wins LIV Golf Singapore Title
The Chilean won his second LIV Golf event of the season thanks to a bogey-free 65 on Sunday in Singapore
By Elliott Heath Published
-
Jon Rahm Equals Bryson DeChambeau's LIV Golf Record After Strong Start In Singapore
The Legion XIII captain matched Bryson DeChambeau's record for consecutive scores under-par in the second round of LIV Golf Singapore
By Mike Hall Published
-
‘I Think It’s Dead, I Think The Other Side Is Gone’ - Lee Trevino Gives Take On PGA Tour-LIV Golf Divide And Calls For Players And Caddies To Speed Up
Lee Trevino was full of praise for the PGA Tour and its immediate future, as he believes that a deal with the Saudi PIF may not come at all
By Paul Higham Published