McDowell in superb Memphis finish

Graeme McDowell enjoyed his best finish of the year at TPC Southwind

Graeme McDowell shot the lowest score of the day to claim a tie for seventh place at the St Jude Classic at TPC Southwind in Memphis.

McDowell's seven-under-par 63, including an eagle and five birdies, saw him finish on 11 under overall, seven shots behind winner Brian Gay.

The Portrush player's fine finish should send him into this week's US Open in high spirits.

"I have been playing well for a while. It's nice to get the numbers," he said.

"It is my best finish of the season which is key.

"Momentum is everything in this game, we know that, and 63 today will do nothing but boost my confidence."

McDowell was also buoyed by a return to form off the tee.

"I drove the golf ball better today and that is what I have not been doing," he said.

"I have been driving the golf ball awfully and that was one of the strengths of my game.

"I put it in play more often today and reaped the benefits. My iron play has been really quality lately and I am giving myself more chances."

Those qualities will be important at the US Open on the notoriously challenging Black course at Bethpage State Park, Long Island.

The Northern Ireland player said he knows exactly what is required at the public golf course, 32 miles east of Manhattan.

"I heard it is going to be long, tough and you have got to be driving the ball really well," he said.

"I am not one of the longer hitters but I am also not one of the shorter ones, kind of in the middle of the pack, so I am going to have to drive the ball extremely well."

McDowell is also looking forward to sampling the galleries of New York fans, who embraced the US Open on its first visit to Bethpage seven years ago.

"(Phil) Mickelson and with Tiger (Woods) playing so well, I think the atmosphere is going to be ridiculously good outside.

"Hope the weather is kind to us. I will be happy to play well and make a bit of the run for the weekend, hopefully."