He played in his second World Cup for Ireland in 2012, again paired with O'Connor and, as in 2010, they reached the second round this time by defeating Malaysia 5–2. They played the same Australian pair as in 2010 next and were whitewashed 0–4. In the rest of 2012 he could not advance beyond the last 64 of any of his events. McGowan finished the year ranked world number 169, well outside of the top 64 who retain their places on the PDC tour and he did not have automatic entry into any event in the future. In the 2015 Tom Kirby Memorial Irish Matchplay final he beat Tom Biggane 6-5 to qualify for the preliminary round of the 2016 PDC World Championship. At Q School, Mick picked up his tour card via the Q School Order Of Merit by reaching the Final on the fourth day, only to lose to Ross Smith 5-4. However, his run on the final day got him inside the Order Of Merit to qualify, earning him a Tour Card for the 2016 and 2017 seasons. At the World Grand Prix, McGowan blew a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 in sets in his first-round match against James Wilson, while at the Players Championship Finals, McGowan upset Chris Dobey in the first round by a score of 6 legs to three, only to lose by the same score to Alan Norris in the next round. McGowan defeated Radoslaw Szaganski 6-5 in the final of 2016 Tom Kirby Memorial Irish Matchplay to qualify for the 2017 PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace. As one of the three highest-ranked international qualifiers for the event, McGowan received a bye straight through to the first round of the tournament, where he faced Jamie Lewis in a losing effort.