McDowell Wins Scottish Open

Ireland's Graeme McDowell joined a long line of illustrious champions when he closed with a three under par round of 68 to win the 2008 Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond on Sunday.

The 28 year-old from Portrush started the day level with England's Simon Khan and they were still tied after 12 holes before McDowell grabbed the initiative with three consecutive birdies from the 13th.

That run gave McDowell a three shot advantage and he could even afford the luxury of a dropped shot on the 215 yard par-3 17th before securing a regulation par at the last to finish two shots ahead of James Kingston and three in front of Richard Green and Miguel Angel Jiménez on 13 under par 71.

Meanwhile Kahn dropped a shot on the 415 yard par-4 15th and another two on the 17th to card a 72 and finish alone in fifth place on nine under par 275 but he did have the ample consolation of winning a place in this week's Open Championship as the highest finisher not otherwise exempt.

"This is just incredible," said MacDowell who won a cheque for £500,000 and all but sealed his place in the European team for this year's Ryder Cup match at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky.

"I don't think I have ever shaken as much as I did coming down the stretch. It's a fantastic feeling to win and it's even more special because Mum and Dad are here to see it."