McDowell relaxed about Ryder challenge

Graeme McDowell might be considered a certainty to win his fourth Ryder Cup cap this year but the Portrush man has work to do and this week could be a small step in the right direction.

A three-under 68 was just what the doctored order for the 2010 US Open champion, who could sneak into the side via the World Points List if he picks up his first win of the season at the Irish Open.

Ranked 16th on world ranking points, he knows that his best chance of making the team on merit will come in the Majors and the WGC Bridgestone Invitational. But he’s not getting obsessed about the challenge just yet.

“I can’t really go put myself under pressure to make the team,” McDowell said. “I know I need a good summer to do it. Do I sit down every Monday and study the Ryder Cup rankings? No, I don’t.

“I’m acutely aware that I need a good summer, but I want a good summer for me, not because I want to make the Ryder Cup team. I want to have a good summer anyway. So hopefully the rest will take care of itself.”