2010 U.S. Open: Who is Graeme McDowell?

At the end of play Saturday, many questions began to be thrown around en route to Sunday's final round of the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach.

Does Tiger have everyone right where they want him?

Can Dustin Johnson continue his incredible young story?

Will Lefty win his first U.S. Open?

And then there was an unknown that everyone knew nothing about: Who is Graeme McDowell?

Now, McDowell may be the most talked about golfer—at least until the next major —after becoming the first European to win the U.S. Open in some 40 years with his triumph at Pebble Beach.

Coming into Sunday, McDowell was three strokes off the lead, but was he considered even a contender at that point or just a pretender?

He proved that he was a contender, and if he continues his praiseworthy career, people may have more and more to rave about as it goes on.

So, who is this Graeme McDowell? Why haven't we ever heard of him?

Here's something that may help all of us get to know the 2010 U.S. Open winner a little better, Graeme McDowell.

Bio

McDowell is a man from the lands of Ireland. The Irishman stands 5'11" and weighs a mere 167 pounds—no, not a Tiger Woods that is known for his workout regimen, just a regular person living a dream.

McDowell was born in Portrush, Northern Ireland, one of the many seaside towns the area has to offer. Just like pebble Beach, his local course is on the water.

Despite being from Ireland, McDowell pursued an American scholarship, which he accomplished at the University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB), attending from 1998 to 2002.

Earnings

2010 Earnings: $68,875

Career Earnings: $10,628,971

2010 Tournament Resume

Events Played: 7

Cuts Made: 4

Top 10 Finishes: 1

Best Finish: Tied for sixth (WGC-CA Championship)

Money List: 189

McDowell also has a great history on the European Tour, where he first took his steps toward being one of the best Irishmen that is active as of now.

2010 U.S. Open Scorecard

Round One: 71

Round Two: 68

Round Three: 71

Final Round: 74

Total: Even

The 2010 U.S. Open Winner

Before Thursday, this was a 31-year-old man that the world hardly knew...

Now, as of Sunday night, he emerges as an amazing sports figure and a European hero, as he finally brings an U.S. Open victory back across the seas.

McDowell may never win another U.S. Open or another major, but definitely keep an eye out for him: Pebble Beach may have just brought a new heavyweight golfer to the PGA Tour and the game of golf.

Who is Graeme McDowell?

Right now, all that matters is that he is the 2010 U.S. Open winner.