Graeme McDowell says European Tour record 59 possible

Graeme Dowell won the 2010 US Open at Pebble Beach

Graeme McDowell believes the European Tour's first-ever round of 59 is possible at the Irish Open this week.

The US Open champion warmed up for the tournament at Killarney by posting the magic figure for the first time in his life at the Valley course in Portrush.

"I was quite nervous actually - it's like a 147 in snooker, although maybe not quite as good," said McDowell.

"If the course remains soft and there is not much wind I think the putting surfaces are good enough for it."

"Those are the key factors to shooting very low."

McDowell was playing with his father, uncle and a friend when he had 12 birdies and a bogey.

It was a special feeling - I've always dreamt of doing it Graeme McDowell

"I was sort of trying to put pressure on myself and said I needed to birdie two of the last four.

"Then I got them and needed a par at the 195-yard last.

"As soon as I hit my five-iron to 12 feet I thought, 'Done it - I'm not going to three-whack from there.

"The second putt was about six inches and it was a special feeling - I've always dreamt of doing it."

Killarney is a par-71 course measuring 7,161 yards - more than 700 yards longer than the one on which he scored 59.

Low scoring is expected, especially after rain today softened it up.

"It could happen," said the Ulsterman on the possibility of someone breaking the Tour record of 60 which has been achieved 14 times.