Graeme won't rest before showdown

Sep 7 2008 By Euan Mclean

RYDER Cup rookie Graeme McDowell would love to lie on a beach recharging his batteries before being thrown into the pressure cooker atmosphere at Valhalla.

But the hard-working Northern Irishman can't let up for a minute because he knows taking it easy is catastrophic for his game.

So while some of Nick Faldo's stars will put their feet up this week and quietly prepare for battle, McDowell will be slogging it out at the Mercedes Benz Tournament.

His missed cut at the recent Johnnie Walker Championship is a prime example of what happens to the 29-year-old's golf after a fortnight off from competing.

So after spending time working hard on his game at home in Portrush he'll be loading his clubs on the flight to Cologne tomorrow, seeking the competitive edge he'll need when the big moment comes on September 19.

McDowell (left) said: "Stats show I'm not too good after a week off and the Johnnie Walker was another example of that.

"For some reason I need to get a card in my pocket to know how my swing's doing, how I'm controlling the ball and what's going on with my game. So I will be working hard all week in Cologne to get my game ready.

"My coach and sports psychologist will come to Germany and do my preparation early before I fly out with the team the following Monday."

After all but guaranteeing his place in the European side with victory at the Barclays Scottish Open in July, McDowell admits it has been a strug gle to maintain his high standard of form right through to September.

Since Loch Lomond his highest finish has been 15th - albeit in a major at the US PGA - but he is confident he will peak again at the right time.

McDowell added: "I was really driving hard to get on the team. After the massive effort of doing that it's tough to pick yourself up.

"I've put all my focus on Valhalla and feel ready strugfor it. I may be a rookie but I feel like an experienced one. I've won four times so I'm by no means a flash in the pan.

"I know the European players very well and even know the guys on the American side.

"It's going to be intimidating because it's something I've dreamed of all my life. But I'm looking forward to it and hopefully I'll shake that rookie thing off early and get some wins."