Graeme McDowell hopes his upbringing on the links courses of Co Antrim will provide an escape route out of a slump which has seen him fall to 103 in the world.

The 26-year-old honed his skills at Royal Portrush, one of the finest links courses in the world, and despite a worrying slip in form, memories of his formative years came flooding back on his arrival for the Open at Hoylake.

Now McDowell is hopeful he can use that to his advantage and kick-start a disappointing season which has so far brought only one top-10 finish - at the British Masters in May.

"I would hope, having grown up on links golf, it would give me an advantage this week," said the former Walker Cup star. "There is no doubt in the practice rounds I have fallen back into some natural links golf which, when you grow up on it, will always be there.

"I found certain shots I'm going to need this week came back to me pretty quickly, especially the short game - just chipping and running around the greens and the style of play. I've been playing those shots all my life and I enjoy the creativity.

"You could be chipping with anything this week from lob wedge to three wood. I think it is about creativity and patience. You have to really think your way round and I like the way play is set up."

Hot and dry conditions have left the course hard and bouncy with much of the rough having died off due to the lack of water. Some players, mostly Americans who are used to the lush, green pastures of the PGA Tour, have been bewildered at the state of the course.

McDowell, however, is relishing the challenge.

"I can imagine some guys this week have not seen anything like it," he said. "I haven't seen a golf course quite this firm in a few years but I've definitely played on them back home and I think those kind of experiences will stand by me this week.

"This is links golf at its most raw. I played Sunday and I couldn't believe how baked out the place was. I can't wait to see how it looks this Sunday."