Irish Open: Graeme McDowell says weather will be key factor at Portstewart

Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell hopes a return 'home' to Portstewart can help inspire him to a return to top form at the Irish Open this week.

The former US Open champion, who missed the cut at last week's French Open after posting bogeys on the final four holes of his second round, says the weather will play a key role at this year's tournament.

McDowell has had a best result of 13th at the Dubai Desert Classic this season and needs a top-10 finish at the Irish Open or Scottish Open to have any chance of playing at The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale this month.