Future looking perfect for McDowell

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Ross Fisher, winner of the European Open on Sunday, is two shots behind in a share of third place with Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez, India's Jeev Milkha Singh and Australian Richard Green.

McDowell currently occupies the final automatic qualifying place for Nick Faldo's team to defend the Ryder Cup at Valhalla in September, but victory and the £500,000 first prize would guarantee him a place in the side.

"It's certainly in there in the back of my mind, maybe somewhere up near the front actually," admitted McDowell, who carded two bogeys, five birdies and holed from seven feet for an eagle on the short 14th after driving the green.

"Obviously if I was to win I realise what that would mean but it's not going to help me with the shots I'm going to play. If I don't make the team it's not going to kill me, I'm young and I'll have other chances. It's not the be all and end all."

McDowell, who "punished himself" by working as an on-course commentator during the last Ryder Cup at the K Club, added: "I'm trying not to live in the future but it's tough not to.

"I work a lot with my psychologist, Dr Karl Morris, on focusing on the present and it's very very important that I focus on this week, it's all I can control. There's a lot of golf to be played and a lot of good players who want to be on that team."

McDowell won the Ballantine's Championship in Korea earlier this year and was third in the European Open on Sunday, and believes that will stand him in good stead.

"I've been in the mix plenty and I feel comfortable now," added the 28-year-old from Portrush, who led after the first round of the Open at Hoylake in 2006 before fading to 61st.

"I was in the last group on both days last weekend and I feel like I've got over the nerves. It would be pretty nice to win, it's a special feeling we all like."