GOLF: Graeme's dad Kenny speaks to The Coleraine Times from Pebble Beach

Kenny McDowell watched in awe as son Graeme became the first European golfer in 40 years to win the United States Open at Pebble Beach on Sunday.

30-year-old "G-Mac", as he is known to his family and friends, defeated France's Grgory Havret by one stroke to add his name to the list of famous champions, not least the former Pebble Beach winners Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Tom Kite and current world No1, Tiger Woods.

He became the first European to win the major since Tony Jacklin and the second Portrush man to win a major after 1947 Open winner Fred Daly.

Speaking to The Coleraine Times from the Monteray Plaza Hotel at 3am on Monday, dad Kenny said: "We have just got back to the hotel here now. It really hasn't sunk in yet.

"It's been 40 years since a European has won the US Open so for my boy to do it is just incredible.

"You know he played superbly all week, hit the ball great, putted great. I couldn't believe how calm he was in those closing holes. You can just imagine how I was feeling when he was coming up the 18th.

"His agent Conor Ridge and myself took him out for coffee away from the course just to get him away from the all the razzmatazz.

"We did a little sightseeing this morning again before going to the course around 12.30pm. We talked about silly things, about him going to Coleraine Inst and just having a laugh. It all worked.

"To be honest I can't describe how I feel. When Gregory Havret missed his birdie attempt at the last it left Graeme with a lay up and then two shots for the championship.

"It was absolutely amazing. He really doesn't know what he has done. In fact when we were leaving the course for the Media Centre he turned to me and said: 'Dad, what have I done?"

"Looking at the trophy and the names on it, he said to me: "Dad there's Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Phil Mickleson and Jack Nicklaus...and now me!'

"I don't think he can quite believe it."

It's estimated that McDowell's victory will net him $20m dollars as well as earning him a coveted place among the sport's golfing elite.

Kenny added: "We can't believe it, it's a dream come true. The USPGA were very good to us laying on some food and drink at the Media Centre where Graeme did two hours of interviews.

"His mum Marian and her sister are in Spain while Geordie and Gary are both at home. I'm sure when we get back we'll be having another wee party in the Wine Bar!

"As I say it all hasn't sunk in yet but it's all been so amazing. Later today they are flying us by private jet to Los Angeles where Graeme is booked to appear in the David Letterman Show.

"Hard to believe, isn't it?"