McDowell still believes he can get to the top spot

Dubai: Although he missed out on the Race to Dubai this year, Graeme McDowell says he's realised the gulf between himself and possible European and world number one status is not insurmountable.

Speaking after his 72-73-69-68 (282) posting at the Dubai World Championship this weekend, which left him tied for 13 at six under par with the man he was meant to beat, Martin Kaymer. McDowell said, "a few years ago we all felt Tiger Woods was pretty invincible — we were all playing for second really".

"Now that I see one of my friends and colleagues, Lee Westwood as world No. 1. I know how much improvement I can do in this game and how much better I can become."

McDowell had said after day three that he sought consolation from the fact that ‘his best golf was good enough to compete with the best in the world' — in reference to his eventually-failed race with Martin Kaymer, which saw him surpass third placed Lee Westwood in the cash list to end second. "I think it's now an achievable goal. I've got to put it out there. I have to believe I have a lot of room for improvement in this game."

"Do I believe I can be world's no. 1 of course I do if I didn't there would be something wrong..."