GOLF: McDowell wins Scottish Open and opens door to a Ryder Cup place

However, after a final round 68, only a small portion of his elation was related to the fourth win of his career, his second of this year and the fact that he will bank a £500,000 cheque this week.

Winner's grin: Graeme McDowell lifts the Scottish Open trophy

The Ulsterman’s real joy came from his promotion from 10th to sixth place in the tables that will provide 10 automatic spots in the European Ryder Cup team to take on the Americans at Valhalla in September.

And, with just  three more big-money events – starting with this week’s Open Championship – left to be played before the team is finalised next month only an  extraordinary sequence of a results will now prevent him making Nick Faldo’s side.

Simon Khan: Secures final spot at The Open

'This is a massive door opener for me, said McDowell last night.  This takes me a massive step towards making the Ryder Cup team, which I put right up there with winning a major and something I have really wanted to do.

'After the European Open last weekend I refused to be measured up for my suits and clothing for the Ryder Cup because I didn’t want disappointment later.  Maybe now I’ll accept next time they ask.

'We Irish have an affinity with the Ryder Cup, we are raised on stories of it.  And there is always going to be a special place in my heart playing in it.'

McDowell had started the fourth at 10 under par, leading with Essex’s Simon Khan, but only two shots ahead of big-hitting Ross Fisher who had been his nemesis on the last day of European Open last weekend.

Fisher, however, dropped quickly out of the picture with a run of four bogeys in his first eight holes and although South Africa’s James Kingston and Australian Richard Green were eventually to clinch second place, the Scottish title eventually boiled down to a two-man contest.

Khan, 36 and with only previous tour victory to his name opened up a one shot  advantage at the testing par four 10th when McDowell missed the green with his  approach and then failed to get up and down from the rough.

But the Irishman bounced back to hit the victory trail with a run of three successive birdies that included a brilliant chip and run of the type that he will need at Birkdale this week at the 12th and a 45-yard two-putt after driving the par-four 14th.

For Khan, who had doubled bogeyed the 12th, the only consolation was a top-five  finish which earned him the last available qualifying place to play in The Open.