Graeme McDowell is in reflective mood ahead of the Ryder Cup but admits: “I’m all pumped up and ready for battle.”

And the unassuming lad from Portrush reveals: “I just love all the ra-ra-ra, let’s get ‘em type of thing.

“I grew up playing team golf, it’s in my blood.”

And with the countdown already underway he enthuses: “I’ve dreamt of that bag with the Europe logo on it and what it must feel like to be out there playing in that atmosphere.”

G-Mac has dipped into the memory bank for the inspiration he’ll carry with him to Valhalla in Kentucky — the moment in the Volvo Masters at Valderrama last year when he holed that fabulous second shot on the 17th.

A fervent fan of Manchester United, McDowell beams: “It’s the nearest thing I’ve had to knocking one in at the Stretford End.

“The nearest I’ve come to experiencing that feeling of 20,000 fans going bananas. It was really cool.”

And he compares the Ryder Cup as the nearest thing to an ‘old firm’ derby, Manchester United v Liverpool.

He reckons The Ryder Cup will be along those lines and insists: “Golf needs more of that.”

The only major disappointment going into the showdown with the Yanks is the absence of Darren Clarke.

The friends had been texting each other in the run up to the final qualifying tournament at Gleneagles, all the time hoping captain Nick Faldo would hand Clarke one of two wild cards.

Sadly his dream of an all-Northern Ireland pair helping Europe to victory didn’t happen.

But for McDowell at least the Ryder Cup isn’t exactly the climax to his season.

He still has targets to aim for like catching Padraig Harrington to claim the European Order of Merit title and possibly leading Ireland’s assault on the Omega Hills World Cup at Mission Hills in China from November 27-30.

Long shots maybe but then nobody welcomes a challenge more than G-Mac.

He lies fifth on the Money List so he’s certainly in the mix for the first but the second lies entirely in the hands of Harrington.

As the highest ranked Irishman in the World listings, the Dubliner will have first refusal.

And if he takes up the baton he has the right to name his playing partner and his first choice would almost certainly be Paul McGinley.

Together they chalked up Ireland’s only ever triumph in 1997 at Kiawah Island but last year gave it a bye.

If he was to decline again that would open the door for G-Mac as the second highest ranked Irishman.

Then it would be up to him to pick a playing partner and what odds would you get on him inviting Darren Clarke?

Having missed out on the chance of playing together at the Ryder Cup this could be the consolation prize but a unique opportunity to carry the flag for Northern Ireland at a world event with a realistic chance of winning.

Meanwhile the immediate aim is that top spot on the Euro Money List, the gap being a mere 675,370 euro — loose change to superstar golfers.

And with big money events still to be played there is still everything to play for.

G-Mac took a week’s breather after Gleneagles but now it is full steam ahead.

Next up is the Mercedes Benz Championship starting in Cologne on Thursday, then The Ryder Cup, the British Masters at the Belfry, the Dunhill Links, Portuguese Masters, Castello Masters and the end of season Volvo Masters.

Little wonder McDowell says: “I’m seeing this as the start of a new mini-season for me.

“I’ve had a week off and now it’s all about getting back to work.

“If and when it’s obvious I cannot make it, then I’ll drop one of the pre-Volvo Masters tournaments.