McDowell competed in four Ryder Cups between 2008 and 2014, picking up nine points from 15 matches, and his success over Hunter Mahan in the final singles match at Celtic Manor in Wales in 2010 closed out victory for the Europeans.
He went on to serve twice as a vice-captain – under Thomas Bjorn in 2018 and under Padraig Harrington for the 2020 Ryder Cup in 2021.
His experiences from those encounters and his observations of events since give him an insight into the spirit among European teams and the recipe for success in the febrile atmosphere generated by the competition.
“The European system that has been developed is obviously turning into something very robust. Take the chemistry of partnerships and developing great relationships.
“Eleven of the 12 players who competed in Rome [in 2023] competing again for Europe in this Ryder Cup, something that has never been done before, and look at the results.
“It was an incredible first four sessions, the domination. Clearly that’s not something a team can do every year so you’re always having to cycle new players in and out, figure out the chemistry between them, put great pairings together, continue to be a dominant force in the foursomes.”
Traditionally Europe have been more successful in the pairs formats of the event, with the United States often enjoying the upper hand in the singles, as was the case in the 2025 edition.
“Friday and Saturday are huge days because you lay the foundation down for what Sunday’s singles can be,” reflected the 2010 US Open champion.
“America are historically a little stronger in singles over the years but Europe laid the foundations down in those pairings. It comes down to understanding what makes a great pair, and that comes from all the analytics.
“But there’s so much more to that. It comes from the great friendships that are struck up in the team rooms, the camaraderie.
“The players come from all over Europe – different countries, different cultures and different backgrounds. They all come together.”
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