Ryder Cup rookie Graeme McDowell has received advice from Darren Clarke as he prepares to take on the United States in Valhalla, Kentucky.

"I sat down with Darren last week in Germany and he had a lot of advice for me," said McDowell.

"We talked about what I would expect and how important it would be to rest up and look after my own game.

"He is disappointed not to be playing, and I am disappointed for him, but we have two great wildcard picks."

McDowell said he was hoping to get paired with double Open champion Padraig Harrington over the first two days.

"I think myself and 10 other guys would like to tee it up with Padraig.

"He has won three of the last six Majors and has a great Ryder Cup record, so obviously he is doing something right.

"I want to play as much as possible over this weekend and put points on the board.

"But the most important thing would be to be on the winning team.

"I hope Nick has got myself and Padraig in mind and I want to play five games if it is possible.

"It is a busy week, we have a lot to do as a team. So far the whole experience has been cool.

"The weather is perfect, the golf course is perfect. We have a great team and a great captain in Nick Faldo and his assistant Jose Maria Olazabal."