The 28-year-old Northern Irishman was the joint overnight leader with Australia's Robert Allenby and America's Rocco Mediate following his opening one under par 69 in the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

Two years ago McDowell fell away to 61st at Hoylake after setting the first day pace with a 66, but two things are very different now.

The first is that Tiger Woods, who went into overdrive on the Friday and then was unstoppable on his march to his third Claret Jug, is absent.

The second is that McDowell believes he now has the tools, mental and technical, to carry on as he started.

"I felt a bit like a rabbit in the headlights at Hoylake," he said. "I didn't have a whole lot of belief in myself, I couldn't really string four rounds together.

"i feel a different player now and I'm certainly a lot more comfortable in this position.

"It was very important to come down from the elation of Sunday and the Scottish Open and move on, but I had the biggest tournament on the planet to get ready for.

"And the Tiger effect goes without saying. Not having him in the field is a major boost to everyone, apart from the fans and the good of the tournament.

"Physically I feel good (this is McDowell's fifth event in a row) and mentally I feel good too.