Gleneagles home crowd set to spur on Graeme McDowell again

G-Mac pleased he’s made the Ryder Cup side on merit.

With his fighting spirit, Graeme McDowell won’t leave any of his team holding the baby when the Ryder Cup gets under way at Gleneagles.

But the fact the Ulsterman has recently been put in that position himself does give Paul McGinley some food for thought.

McDowell has only recently returned to action after taking a sabbatical around the birth of his first child.

And he admitted he was rusty as he compiled rounds of 73-72-69-67 in the BMW Championship at Cherry Hills last weekend.

But the 2010 US Open winner has been galvanised by knowing he’s in the team on merit, after an anxious wait.

“I got a little boost when my position was solidified in the team the other week,” said McDowell. “Whatever happens now I will do the best I can to prepare myself for Scotland.”

McDowell claims Stephen Gallacher’s late run, that nearly left him relying on a Captain’s pick, did not raise his temperature one iota.

“I watched the final few holes on the Sunday,” he said.

“David Howell’s phenomenal round was the only thing that stopped Stephen passing me. I really believed he was going to do it, and I was OK with that.

“I was quietly confident that I might get a Captain’s nod if I needed it although nothing is guaranteed in life. But I was very happy to see Stephen get a pick because I think he deserved one.

“When the chips were down, especially in that final round on the Sunday, Stephen was asked all the questions and he answered them emphatically.

“It showed a lot about him. His personality and character, and the type of player he can be in two weeks.”

This will be McDowell’s fourth Ryder Cup appearance, and he admits that even though he was on the wrong side of the result at Valhalla, it was his favourite!

“It was my rookie year, and although we lost I felt I matured a lot as a player that week,” he said.

“I gained a lot of belief in myself to be able to perform on the world stage.

“Obviously being in the last match at Celtic Manor and get the winning point is something I will remember all my life. Then at Medinah, to be part of that comeback was a very, very, special and different week.

“But in the end, it is the galleries that make it so very special and a completely different golfing experience. The atmosphere is electric, and kind of gives you goose bumps.

“I made a 20-foot putt at Medinah, and started going crazy and fist-pumping before realising that nobody had reacted in the crowd at all! I was nearly embarrassed!

“There is a different vibe playing in front of your own fans, and in Scotland you always get the sense that the fans understand golf, and they are very educated in the history and traditions of the game.

“I know Gleneagles will be a very special Ryder Cup, and I’m looking forward to the buzz from the hometown crowd.

“No question, my priorities have changed, and life’s changed since the arrival of our daughter, Vale Esme. I’m certainly excited to embark on the next chapter of my life.”

Graeme didn’t say it, but he knows the Ryder Cup is still the Ryder Cup!