Graeme McDowell believes his return to the World Golf Championships this week is important to his hopes of being part of the European Ryder Cup team.
The Northern Irishman will participate in his first WGC event since 2016, when he leaves for Mexico on Thursday.
He won his place on the field after his victory at the Saudi International in early February which replaced him in the world top 50.
“We are here to do some work this week,” said the 39-year-old.
“It is certainly not the icing on the cake for victory in Saudi Arabia. It is about getting into the rest of the season and using these events as platforms to get where I want to be. “
“It is important to me, if I have aspirations to be part of the Ryder Cup team, that I must be in the WGCs and the major championships, so it is very important to take this first step, to put my schedule where it needs to be. and I hope I can get out of here. “
McDowell’s success at the Saudi International was his first European Tour victory in six years and his 11th on the circuit.
He entered the tournament in 104th place in the world, but the lifting of the trophy propelled him to 47th place, 10 years after winning the US Open.
“I have played a lot of WGC in my career and I think you take them for granted a bit,” added the Portrush native.
“These are incredible tournaments where you bring together the best players from around the world here in Mexico.
“This is the first time I have seen the golf course for myself and it is an excellent track. It reminds me a little of Valderrama and, obviously, you have the altitude, so the ball goes far. But I am excited to be back in these WGC Events. ”
Open champion Shane Lowry, who is also looking for a spot on Padraig Harrington’s European team, will return to the WGC-Mexico championship after a two-week break.
