Last June, New Zealand's Michael Campbell qualified at Walton Heath and then triumphed at Pinehurst a week later and McDowell is hoping to repeat the feat this year.

BBC: McDowell missed out on the US Masters earlier this year

Should the Scotsman fail to climb four places in time, he will attempt to qualify for the year's second major via second regional qualifying at Walton Heath, Surrey, on 6 June.

BBC: SPORT | Golf | Poor finish hits Montgomerie bid