BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - Former UAB golfer Graeme McDowell tees off Thursday in the British Open at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England as one of the hotter golfers in the tournament.

McDowell, who was named the top college golfer in the nation in 2002, comes into the British Open having won the Scottish Open last weekend.

The win was the fourth on the European Tour over the past seven years for the 28-year-old native of Northern Ireland. The win moved him to second in the European Tour Order of Merit and 29th in the world rankings.

UAB golf coach Alan Kaufman said he's looking forward to watching the tournament on television.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)