Sky Sports - Ryder Cup

Having narrowly missed out on Europe's 2004 team, McDowell also had to watch the 2006 match on home soil at the K Club as a spectator having failed to play his way on to Ian Woosnam's team. The 29-year-old admitted, despite Europe's triumph, it was a painful experience and resolved then to ensure he qualified for this year's contest at Valhalla. He did so in style following a hugely impressive 2008 season on the European Tour which included two victories - the second of which at The Scottish Open in July all but sealing his debut. Like an increasing number of junior British golfers, McDowell undertook a golf scholarship in America, attending the University of Alabama and in 2002 was ranked top collegiate golfer in the United States, winning on six of his 12 starts. He was a member of the successful Great Britain and Ireland team which retained the Walker Cup at Sea Island in 2001 and also has Seve Trophy experience. McDowell played in the 2005 match at Wynyard Golf Club and contributed 2½ points from his four outings as Great Britain and Ireland recorded a convincing triumph over Continental Europe. The Portrush native has plenty of experience of playing in America with a couple of runner-up finishes on the PGA Tour to his name and will be relishing the chance to impress in Kentucky.