GMac is the man for the big occasion

At one stage though it looked like it might backfire as McDowell found himself three down to Jordan Spieth.

But GMac proved his worth yet again with a stunning comeback win to set Europe on the road to victory again.

“Big heart, big player, loves the big occasion. For me, you need a real fighter in that first game,” said McGinley.

“Graeme is that kind of guy,” he added.

McDowell’s dramatic fightback was the real game-changer and he admitted he felt under pressure to set the ball rolling.

“The captain sent me out first. I got off to such a slow start but I dug in there. Wow!

“The captain put a big role on me and I’m just so happy I could deliver. I felt something inside of me start to turn around and I was proud of myself coming down that back nine.

“If you are three down, just try and win the next hole, extend the match, get the crowd on your side, keep extending the match, and thankfully that was enough in the end.”

Rathmore Golf Club members (pictured right) celebrated the victory on Sunday.

“For Graeme to come back from three down is fantastic,” said captain Paul Roddy

“We will be updating the website roll of honour to reflect this is Graeme’s fourth Ryder Cup.

“We know he is busy with his young family but when he gets the chance to get back we will have a celebration as usual.”