Victorious European Ryder Cup star Graeme McDowell sees little advantage in USA Captain Tom Watson reducing his ‘wildard’ picks from four to three for next year’s Gleneagles showdown.

In what US observers see as a first move in trying to break a European dominance in the biannual competition, Watson announced he is altering the process that’s been in place since 2008 and reducing his picks to three.

“I was really disappointed in 1985 when I finished 13th after making a bogey on the final hole of the PGA Championship, and I know how much I wanted to make the side,” said Watson.

Triple Ryder Cup winning Graeme McDowell believes Tom Watson’s wildcard change will have no significant impact. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)

“So the players should have that opportunity to make the team and that’s the reason I have reduced the picks from four to three

“It is an important event in golf for our American players and it’s essential they at least need that one more opportunity to make the team.”

However McDowell, and the player who delivered Europe victory in 2010 at Celtic Manor, says the change will make no difference as Europe seeks to win for a sixth time in seven Ryder Cups.

“It’s kind of captain’s prerogative to do what Tom’s done and besides it’s only going to change his team by one player, and very often that one player would have got the automatic spot, anyway,” said McDowell.

“So it’s not a big deal and any captain likes to stamp his authority on the captaincy, and own it and I’m glad he’s getting in there early as he’s going to be phenomenal for the Ryder Cup.

Watson stated also his USA Team will be up against it facing a European Team so familiar with the Gleneagles course and tournament host each year to the Johnnie Walker Championship.

And McDowell fully concurs with the observation.

“Scotland in October, on a golf course we know, in Scottish October weather means will we have an edge,” said McDowell.