Olympic Greens Good says GMAC

Photo: Getty Images

Graeme McDowell has hailed the quality of the greens at this year's US Open and admits he is looking forward to challenge of tackling Olympic Club's monstrous par-five 16th hole.

The US Open is traditionally regarded as perhaps the most demanding of all the majors and the Ulsterman believes that will be no different this week.

However, after arriving in San Francisco over the weekend to get an early look at the Olympic Club course, McDowell is impressed by what he has seen and had particular words of praise for the condition of the greens.

"To me it seems like it's a left-to-right players set-up and I like the way it sets up for me so far," he told Sky Sports News HD.

"The greens are maybe the best greens I've seen in a very, very long time. They roll perfectly and it's going to be a great test - it's the US Open and we expect it to be tough."

This year's event will also see the longest hole ever to be played in a major with the par-five 16th at Olympic Club measuring a whopping 670 yards.

McDowell concedes that will take some reaching for him, but feels even the longest hitters will not be able to take it on.

"It's a driver, three-wood and maybe a medium iron so it's interesting," he continued.

"I'm looking forward to seeing it obviously. It's a three-shotter for everyone which I like I suppose."

McDowell revealed he is delighted to be back in California for the season's second major having won the event two years ago in the same state at Pebble Beach.

"I'm here feeling good, California has been a good state for me, 2010 I won twice in the state - most notably at Pebble and we're just up the road from Pebble," he added.

"The air feels the same, it's got that ocean breeze feel to it.

"The air is heavy and the ball doesn't fly so far in the mornings here and you've really got to give the wind a lot of respect here.

"It's a nice buzz here, San Francisco is an amazing city and this place (Olympic Club) has already got a great feel to it."