GMAC may make his Ryder Cup debut at Valhalla this week but he does that safe in the knowledge that he has matchplay golf in his blood.

"I have good matchplay experience through international golf and playing in things like the Walker Cup, the Palmer Cup, the Royal Trophy and the Seve Trophy.  There is no doubt that matchplay is a different kettle of fish and I am looking forward to getting those old feelings back this week."

Having come through the amateur ranks in Ireland, McDowell has represented his club and country in fourballs and foursomes since he started dreaming of teeing up at golf’s greatest team event.

Graeme was something of a matchplay animal in his amateur days, winning both the Walker Cup and the Palmer Cup in his youth, before going on to add the 2006 Royal Trophy (representing Europe versus Asia) and the 2005 Seve Trophy (in the biennial match between Europe and Great Britain and Ireland).

GMAC has the temperament and ability to rise to the big occasion and handle himself under the most intense pressure.  He has shown that twice already on The European Tour this season with his sudden-death play-off win at the Ballantine’s Championship and The Barclays Scottish Open. McDowell had to pull a glory shot out of his bag to win both of those tournaments, and twice he rose to the occasion with stunning approach shots to seal victory.

"You can play a lot more aggressively and you don't have to stick a six or seven down at the end of a hole if you hit it in the water. You can fire at pins and make eagles and birdies and be a bit more aggressive."

Over the first two practice days at Valhalla, GMAC was paired with fellow Irishman and three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington.  Graeme has made it clear that he would like to partner Padraig in the forurballs and foursomes:

"I think guys are trying to get close to Padraig this week and I'm certainly no different," McDowell said. "What the guy has done the last three or four months, or the last 15, 16 months, winning three majors, he's probably the best player in the world right now.

"Having him on our side is huge. He's certainly strengthened the whole team. He's bringing a whole new level to our team. What he's done is phenomenal. I think there's no doubt guys are keeping an eye on him this week trying to watch what he does and how he takes the golf course apart."