Take a bow Graeme - tributes come pouring in

"It is a fantastic day for Portrush and I am delighted for Graeme and his family. Winning this prestigious major title is an incredible achievement and is testament to his dedication and commitment to the sport, over a considerable number of years. Portrush has a long and proud golfing history; the late Fred Daly also came from the seaside town and won the British Open in 1947. Graeme's stunning performance over the four days at the US Open has further enhanced his home town, and I have no doubt there will be an increased interest in the courses on which he practiced his skills in his formative years. This new accolade for a son of Portrush will lift the area to a new level of renowned fame".

Coleraine mayor, councillor Norman Hillis

"I want to take this opportunity to praise Graeme on this magnificent achievement. The fact that he is the first US Open winner from the Europe since 1970 shows just how massive this win is. His success has the potential to boost golf tourism to the area. We have some brilliant courses in the area and this will have helped promote this locality within the golfing world."

Alliance councillor, Barney Fitzpatrick

"This is an outstanding achievement for Portrush golfer Graeme McDowell, which locally in the North Coast and for Northern Ireland we can be proud of. To be the first golfer from the UK to win the US Open in 40 years since England's Tony Jacklin won the title in 1970, shows the progress Graeme McDowell has made to the top of the golfing world winning the coveted title among golf's elite players. Northern Ireland now boasts three of the best golfers in the world in Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and current US Open champion Graeme McDowell which is an tremendous success here, given the size of Northern Ireland."

East Londonderry MP, Gregory Campbell

"Congratulations Graeme!"

From all at Portrush Lifeboat Station.

"Welcome to Portrush - Home to the US Open Golf champion...Graeme McDowell. One of the nicest guys in the world. Tears of pride and joy in the early hours of the morning for Graeme and the entire McDowell family. Proud to witness history.

Radio Ulster presenter, Alan Simpson.

"Graeme he has made the people of Portrush and across Northern Ireland tremendously proud. Many of us have followed Graeme's career closely, and we have shared his frustration as he has come close to winning major titles in the past without actually getting there. He has now achieved legendary golfing status, and I am absolutely delighted for him and I know that even more of us will be following his career closely from now on."

East Londonderry MLA, David McClarty.

"Well played Graeme McDowell! His magnificent US Open win has put Portrush and the Borough of Coleraine on the worldwide map for golfing excellence. What a shot in the arm for our local tourism projects! Graeme has done us all proud. In beating the cream of the entire world's golfing greats he has become a living legend and a true deserving sporting hero for Northern Ireland."

Cllr. Sam Cole. Deputy Mayor of Coleraine.