• Ryder Cup

G-Mac nearly threw away chance to be Ryder Cup hero

ESPN staff
October 7, 2010
Graeme McDowell's win over Hunter Mahan handed Europe the Ryder Cup © PA Photos
Enlarge

Ryder Cup hero Graeme McDowell has revealed that he was initially disappointed to be sent out in the final singles match.

The US Open winner defeated Hunter Mahan 3&1 to hand Europe the point they needed to reclaim the Ryder Cup, but he came close to denying himself the opportunity to write his name into the history books.

McDowell, who took 2½ points from his four ties at Celtic Manor, nearly asked to be removed from the No. 12 spot in the singles list. "We were sitting as a team and Monty was reading through the line-up," McDowell said. "We got to No. 7, 8, 9 and my name still hadn't come, and I was like, 'OK'.

"Then he said Harrington 11 and myself 12. I remember feeling a mix of emotions; disappointment because I felt like I wasn't going to have a chance to be part of a winning euphoria. I was on the verge of saying something - I think I had a blank look on my face.

"When Monty asked, 'Is anyone not comfortable with where they are put?' I was on the verge of saying something."

The Ulsterman, who has revealed that he will make more appearances on the PGA Tour next year, is in action this week at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland. Having been in the Ryder Cup spotlight over the last few days, he admits he is probably undercooked going into the tournament.

"It's all been a bit of a blur since," he said. "I guess I'm entering into a world of celebrity status, which is a bit unknown to me. I'm not quite sure how that all works."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices