Graeme McDowell crowd favorite

WASHINGTON, June 13 -- Graeme McDowell might not be the number one favorite to win this week -- he is actually looking quite good as the number 4 favorite -- but he is definitely the crowd favorite!

Playing alone in a practice round Wednesday, McDowell was all business. He was one of the few golfers who played a "real" practice round, taking the time to play several balls from different parts of the course and around the greens. One could tell he was doing his homework.

Unlike many players, however, McDowell did not let business get in the way of enjoying his time out there and making fans happy. At one point, he waited to sign an autograph for a young fan who ran inside the ropes. Not only did McDonald not turn his back and continue walking, he encouraged the shy boy to come up for his prize.

Way to go Graeme! You're my favorite this week. I don't think that I am alone in wishing you all the luck and your second U.S. Open trophy.