Graeme McDowell believes victory at the 2015 OHL Classic at Mayakoba helped him realise he could still compete at the highest level. The Northern Irishman went into last years event in Mexico without a top-10 since his opening event of the year and languishing at No 82 in the world rankings, but took the title in a three-man play-off.Victory secured McDowell invites to the WGC-Cadillac Championship at Doral and the Masters, events for which the former US Open champion is yet to guarantee a place in 2017. McDowell aims to make a similarly fast start to his PGA Tour season and move up the world rankings, having missed the cut in Las Vegas last week.It was a very important victory for me at the end of last season, McDowell told a pre-tournament press conference. It opened up some nice doors for me and put me in some good positions in the FedExCup points. The Northern Irishman heads into this weeks event as world No 81 I think this time of the year is becoming very important for the PGA Tour and I think thats why we continue to see more and more players playing at this time of the year.Its so important that they get off to a fast start with so many great players now and it being so difficult to win.The win last win here was very special to me on a lot of levels and of course Id dearly love to try and repeat it this week. Watch NOW TV Watch Sky Sports for just £6.99. No contract. McDowell tees off for the opening two rounds alongside Charley Hoffman and Russell Knox, who finished joint runner-up with Jason Bohn last time around.Former world No 1 Luke Donald features with Jim Furyk and former PGA champion Keegan Bradley, while Ian Poulter and Irelands Seamus Power are also in the field. McDowell finished tied-fourth at Octobers British Masters Can McDowell defend his title? Watch the OHL Classic at Mayakoba live throughout the week on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf. Also See: PGA Tour latest news Recap: Gmacs Mexico win Pampling ends PGA drought Golf live on Sky Sports Javier Baez Jersey . -- Arizona pitcher Bronson Arroyo is expected to miss a week to 10 days because of a back injury. Brandon Kintzler Cubs Jersey .C. -- Eric Staal kept his focus after his apparent breakaway goal was waived off early in the third period. http://www.thecubsteamshop.com/Cubs-Willson-Contreras-Kids-Jersey/ . Chelsea took until the second half to trouble the leagues bottom team, but Schuerrle then ripped through the defence with ease at Craven Cottage to keep Jose Mourinhos side on track for the title. Ernie Banks Cubs Jersey . Both of Padakins goals came in the second period while Zane Jones added a single in the first period for Calgary (13-6-4). Hitmen goaltender Chris Driedger finished with 30 saves for the shutout. Kosuke Fukudome Jersey . Everton Preview West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has been around the game long enough to not get too high when things are going well and not get too low when they arent.Steve Nash will play for the Los Angeles Lakers Friday. According to a report from the Los Angeles Daily News, the veteran point guard participated in a non-contact practice Thursday and expects to suit up Friday against the Washington Wizards. Nash has struggled with nerve irritation in his back and hamstrings that has cost him all butt 10 games this season.dddddddddddd The Lakers are in need of Nashs services after Jordan Farmars injury left the team with just one true point guard in Kendall Marshall. In Nashs 10 games the Canadian has averaged 7.6 points and 4.7 assists. The former two-time MVP says he still plans to play next season as well. ' ' '