Graeme McDowell sets sights on Grand Slam glory

But while the Northern Irishman has set his sights on victory in the prestigious, four-man event, he also wants to enjoy the two days of competition at Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton as much as he can.

"It's going to be a great experience," McDowell said. "There's going to be an element of fun to it but I'm also looking to try and make a statement as a top major champion. Winning a major is something we dream about as professional golfers and it's a very elite field to be part of."

The 36-hole Grand Slam of Golf, billed as "the most exclusive tournament in golf", brings together the winners of the year's four majors. Germany's Martin Kaymer, who won the USPGA Championship at Whistling Straits in August, and former major winners Ernie Els of South Africa and American David Toms will join McDowell. Els and Toms were late replacements for Masters champion Phil Mickelson and Open winner Louis Oosthuizen.

Mickelson withdrew due to arthritis and South African Oosthuizen pulled out because of an ankle injury. "It's probably the toughest fourball to get into in the world and to be part of that as a US Open champion is going to be a great experience," said McDowell. "Obviously missing Phil and Louis is unfortunate. It would have been special to have all four major winners there this year but we have pretty worthy replacements."