GOLF: Ryder Cup is Graeme's 'Old Trafford' moment

The US Open champion has a deep passion for the Red Devils having grown up in Portrush as an ardent fan of the club.

McDowell used a cherished ballmarker with the United crest on either side as he soared to his historic victory at Pebble Beach in June.

And he has revealed that it is his dream to go the training centre at Carrington to meet up with the likes of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.

The 30-year-old knows he'll never get the chance to emulate his United heroes by wearing the famous strip but feels this week at Celtic Manor will give him the opportunity to sample the type of team spirit which his icons thrive on at Old Trafford.

Colin Montgomerie has pieced together a fearsome European team for the Ryder Cup showdown and McDowell can't wait to experience the feelings of togetherness which have united many a group under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson.

McDowell explained: "It's such an amazing week and the closest thing we get to experiencing what it is like to play at Old Trafford in a football match.

"Golf is such an individual sport that you don't normally get a chance to get into the locker room and share the emotions and passion that only a team sport can provide.

"Playing with a partner on Friday and Saturday and then getting back into the team room with the guys getting fired-up for the singles the next day will be great.

"It's us against them for a weekend and that team environment is something you will be able to celebrate with the guys.

"The crowd interaction with the team is also very different from, say, a US Open on a Sunday afternoon.

"Crowds pull for their own players, but Ryder Cup weekend has them pulling for one team, Europe or the USA. It has a different feel."

The camaraderie and spirit within the camp is unique and McDowell got his first taste of the atmosphere at Valhalla two years ago.

Unfortunately, the debut ended in defeat to Paul Azinger's fired-up hosts but the Major winner couldn't forget the fabulous feeling of being involved with the group.

With this in mind, McDowell believes there will be a sea change in the thinking of young pal Rory McIlroy when he gets started at Celtic Manor.

The precocious kid has the world at his feet and the admiration of the golfing public for his sensational talent and polite manner. But McIlroy did raise the hackles of European golf fans with his initial assessment of the Ryder Cup.