He says he still harbours ambitions of making the team in Rome.
Graeme McDowell has distanced himself from the Ryder Cup captaincy.
The Portrush golfer has been a vice-captain at the two most recent renewals of hostilities with the United States.
But speaking after yesterday's 4-under par opening round at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, McDowell says he still harbours ambitions of making the team in Rome.
A 7 under par round of 65 means Rory McIlroy is the man to catch going into round 2 at Bay Hill.
Padraig Harrington will resume on 1 over, but Seamus Power is helping to prop up the field on 8 over par.
McIlroy has a two shot cushion on the field and he wants to sustain his current momentum:
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