Richie Ramsay inspired by Lee Westwood and Graeme McDowell

Westwood recently rolled back the years at the age of 46 to win the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, with fellow fortysomething McDowell then landing the Saudi International.

“I’m 36 now and still think I have a lot to offer," said Ramsay in a blog for one of his sponsors, Carbon Financial Partners Limited. “Forty will be a good number to sit down and have an assessment of what I want to do and how I want to spend my time going forward.

“But it has been inspirational seeing Lee Westwood win at 46 and Graeme McDowell add to his titles, at 40, in the opening weeks of the new season.

“I have always admired G-Mac’s attitude and ability to play under pressure. He’s a really nice guy, always says hi on the range.

“He drifts away at times, goes quiet for a while, then comes back in style."

Both McDowell and Westwood are eyeing Ryder Cup returns at Whistling Straits in September on the back of their respective title triumphs in the Middle East.

“McDowell has natural talent, of course, but he has had to work hard at his game," added Ramsay.

“I’d say he is a good one for any junior or amateur golfer to follow. He doesn’t hit it 320 yards in the air down the middle every time.

"He makes the best of what he has and by taking advantage of the important aspects, like putting and the mental side of the game.

“I have always looked at players with similar games to mine, who make the most of it, and G-Mac is definitely one of those guys.

"His record on the European Tour and in the States is impressive, with a major and Ryder Cups to his name. He has done everything in the sport.

"Graeme is just very good under pressure and in our line of work people really respect that."