McDowell became the first European winner of the U.S. Open since Tony Jacklin in 1970 when he won the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. He came close to a second U.S. Open victory in 2012 at The Olympic Club, where he tied for second place, one stroke behind winner Webb Simpson. Ten of McDowell's 14 worldwide wins have come on the European Tour; his last PGA Tour win came in November 2015 in a playoff at the OHL Classic at Mayakoba in Mexico. McDowell played on the victorious 2001 GB&I Walker Cup Team and is also a four-time European Ryder Cup competitor. The former University of Alabama-Birmingham All-American also represented Europe twice in the Palmer Cup.
U.S. Open Record
| Year | Site | Scores | To Par | Finish |
| 2018 | Shinnecock Hills Golf Club | 79-70 | +9 | MC |
| 2017 | Erin Hills | 76-73 | +5 | MC |
| 2016 | Oakmont Country Club | 72-71-71-72--286 | +6 | T-18 |
| 2015 | Chambers Bay | 74-74 | +8 | MC |
| 2014 | Pinehurst Resort & C.C. (Course No. 2) | 68-74-75-70--287 | +7 | T-28 |
| 2013 | Merion Golf Club | 78-77 | +15 | MC |
| 2012 | The Olympic Club | 69-72-68-73--282 | +2 | T-2 |
| 2011 | Congressional Country Club | 70-74-69-69--282 | -2 | T-14 |
| 2010 | Pebble Beach Golf Links | 71-68-71-74--284 | E | Win |
| 2009 | Bethpage State Park (Black Course) | 69-72-69-74--284 | +4 | T-18 |
| 2007 | Oakmont Country Club | 73-72-75-77--297 | +17 | T-30 |
| 2006 | Winged Foot Golf Club (West Course) | 71-72-75-79--297 | +17 | T-48 |
| 2005 | Pinehurst Resort & C.C. (Course No. 2) | 74-74-72-81--301 | +21 | T-80 |