There’s one American-born Ryder Cup hopeful who does not believe Rory McIlroy will be the target at this year’s Ryder Cup.

Hunter Mahan put himself in frame for one of Tom Watson’s three ‘wildcard’ picks with victory last week in New Jersey.

But should the American be afforded a Gleneagles pick then he doesn’t see McIlroy as the European walking about Gleneagles with a target on his back.

“In previous years if you beat Tiger in a match, then that was like winning two points for the team but I just don’t seen that happening with Rory,” said Mahan.

Hunter Mahan believes Rory McIlroy is not like Tiger Woods when it comes to targeted players at the Ryder Cup.

“Rory’s the best player on the European side, and they’ve got some great players on their team.  They’ve got great leaders on that team.

“So whoever you’re paired up against, you’ve got to go out and beat those guys, and you really can’t be worrying about somebody you’re not playing.

“But I’m looking forward to it because it will be a lot of fun, to especially do it over in Scotland, that would be a great challenge, and a great opportunity for the U.S. to bring back the Cup, as it hasn’t happened in a while.”

Mahan is contesting the opening two rounds of this week’s $8m event alongside McIlroy and Jimmy Walker.

And while the six-time PGA Tour winning Mahan does not believe McIlroy to be the key at Gleneagles he is none-the-less very impressed by the World No. 1.

Rory McIlroy tees up this week having captured the 2012 Deutsche Bank Championship.

“I haven’t played a ton of golf with him but I’ve always been very friendly with him,” said Mahan.

“I like him a lot as a person. I do love watching him swing and watching him play. He just looks so confident out there. And he just looks so in the moment and free. I just love how he plays and how he goes about his business.

“So I look forward to seeing him play and being around him for a couple of days. It’s going to be — that’s going to be fun.”