GOLF: McDowell in running for BBC Sports Personality

The Portrush star, recent winner of the US Open, has been installed as third favourite for glittering prize.

McDowell became the first European golfer in 40 years to win the tournament at Pebble Beach recently.

He has been installed as 8/1 third favourite to win the BBC accolade.

Bookmakers William Hill have shortened the Grand National winning jockey Tony McCoy from 7-2 to the 2-1 favourite.

The 36-year-old, from Moneyglass in Antrim, regained the favourites tag following Andy Murray defeat to Rafa Nadal at Wimbledon.

Murray, who was heavily backed to win the BBC award, is now the 7-1 second favourite.

Hills spokesman Tony Kenny, said: "Graeme McDowell is obviously a big contender from Northern Ireland, but the US Open didn't finish until around 1am – so you'd have to wonder how many people actually watched the climax of the event."

Meanwhile Graeme yesterday declared he was back in business after a two-week blow-out celebrating his big win.

He also revealed Prime Minister David Cameron sent him a hand-written note congratulating him on his triumph at California's Pebble Beach.

On his comeback to tournament play, at the JP McManus Pro-Am at Limerick's Adare Castle the 30-year-old admitted doing little other than partying since securing his first major championship.

But he insisted his "business head" was now firmly screwed on as he prepared for this week's Scottish Open at Loch Lomond and then the British Open at St Andrews.

JP McManus and his wife Noreen presented McDowell with a special glass memento, marking his incredible achievement.