G-Mac seeks Ryder crunch

Graeme McDowell already has his place in Ryder Cup history but the hero of Celtic Manor would love a repeat at Gleneagles.

Four years on from the moment he clinched the winning point against Hunter Mahan on the 17th green of the final singles match of that manic Monday in Wales, the Portrush star is back to put the mental fortitude he credits his mother, Marion, with giving him to the test.

“I’ve been lucky enough to hit a few good shots under the gun in my career. I’m a guy that certainly embraces the high-pressure scenarios and tries to put them in perspective and realise that is why I practice and that’s why I should try and enjoy it,” McDowell said yesterday.

“Not that those types of scenarios are easy to enjoy. They are very painful and they’re very hard at the time.

“They’re very unusual scenarios because you crave them, but when you’re actually there, you kind of sometimes wish you weren’t there because it is very, very hard, and all you can think about is not messing up. When you do come out the other end of them, if you do succeed in that type of environment, they are very, very rewarding, as well.

“So I mean, I’ve been blessed, thankfully, with some level of fortitude. I guess I always wonder where I got it from. I sort of the last 10 years worked it out that I got it from my mum. She’s a pretty tough cookie and MS sufferer, and she’s a very strong person. So I feel like I get that from her. The one thing that she did give me is definitely perspective and some strength of mind.”

The 35-year-old is no stranger to those pressure situations, having also hit the most terrifying shot in golf by launching the first tee shot at the 2012 Ryder Cup. But what followed was an anti-climax, McDowell taking just one point from a possible four and a feeling that he had not played with the highest intensity at Medinah.

“I would love to get a chance to test it out again this weekend. Maybe the mistake I made at Medinah was not forcing myself a little further down the order on Sunday. I felt like I did the sort of 12th man thing, and I kind of put myself into the middle of the pack at Medinah, and perhaps I needed that little bit of intensity of the last groups.

“Perhaps come Sunday, if it’s needed, I will put myself kind of a little bit further down the order and ask the question of myself and focus my mind again this year. Hopefully we don’t need it. Hopefully it’s a blowout and we can have some fun on Sunday afternoon.

“I think inevitably we all know this is going to be close this weekend and it may come down to the last few matches. I’m here to perform this week. I told the captain, I’m here to play five times this week. I’m up for it, I’m ready, bring it on.

“It’s a great test. It’s Sunday afternoon pressure from the first tee shot on Friday morning, and there’s nothing quite like that in golf, that little bit of pressure and nervousness and intensity to focus the mind and just ask questions of yourself — do you have it, what have you got, how is your golf swing going to hold up under pressure, and can you do it?

“I’m looking forward to answering some of those questions.”

Having talked about needing a leadership role within the team in relation to the changing dynamic he enjoys with Rory McIlroy, the 2010 US Open champion is relishing the chance to team up with one of Europe’s three rookies, Victor Dubuisson, Stephen Gallacher and Jamie Donaldson. Frenchman Dubuisson, as the camera-shy baby of the team at 24, in particular appears in need of a reliable and experienced foil and McDowell played with him during the French Open he won in July.

“I think I’m one of a few players that could fit the bill,” McDowell said.

“Victor, I’ve heard described as an enigma, and just a tough guy to kind of get your head around what he’s thinking. Obviously doesn’t lack for talent.

“His sort of relaxed mood, personality, could be confused with maybe intimidation and nervousness. I’ve kind of been trying to sort of get close to him the last few months and spend a little time with him. He’s a great guy.

“We do have a great team room this week with some dynamic personalities, and Victor I think can bring a huge amount to the team this week. Yes, I would very much embrace the task of, sort of the expression, blooding a guy like Victor, and I would love to play with him.”