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:
Final Weekend Of AIL Season
Wexford Won't Need Any Extra Motivation - Laois Captain Brian Byrne
Laois and Offaly In Minor Hurling Action This Weekend
Offaly Take On Waterford In Division 1B Final
Funeral Of Former Laois GAA Manager Mick O'Dwyer To Take Place Tomorrow
Leinster U20 Football Championship Round Up
Claire Melia Misses Out On Euro Cup Glory
Laois Footballers Begin Leinster Championship This Weekend
Athlone Town Take On Bray In League of Ireland First Division
Former Laois Manager Mick O'Dwyer Passes Away At Age 88
Offaly In Search For New Manager As Brian Cosgrave Departs
"The Community Is Great" - Portlaoise Panthers Star Eric Anderson
Leinster U20 Football Championship Resumes Tonight
Aoife Dalton Showering Praise On Irish Rugby Set-Up
Offaly Trio Make Team Of The Week
Bad Start For Midland Counties In U20 Leinster Hurling Championship
We Need To Trust What We Are Doing - Dario Castelo
Tullamore On Brink Of Relegation In AIL
The Lads Want To Play For Offaly - Declan Kelly