Irish golfer Graeme McDowell is ready to do battle in the Race to Dubai title.

McDowell will go up against German native "man of steel" Martin Kaymer in the first round of the decisive Dubai World Cup Championship which is taking place at Jumeriah Golf Estates today (Thursday.)

Said McDowell, "It’s going to be mano-a-mano, the adrenaline will be pumping, it’ll be game-on and I’ll be up for it.

McDowell, 31, needs a top-three finish if he is to erase the US PGA champion’s €290,911 lead at the top of the money list and become European No 1.

"It’s going to be good to look him in the eye and I look forward to doing that."

Kaymer was favorite to win the European No 1 spot which McDowell subsequently stole earlier this year so it will be a tight fight on the golf course this week.

McDowell is mentally and physically ready for the challenge.

"Any tiredness in there is not going to rear its head until this week is all over," he said on Tuesday.

"This is what I needed. This is why this week was going to work for me.

"Any tiredness I have in my body ain’t going to come out until Sunday night. I’m going to step on that first tee on Thursday and the adrenaline is going to be there."

"I’ve taken large chunks out of his lead the last four weeks and I’ve got a little bit of momentum.

"I’ve got to feel that and use that this week," McDowell said.

"I’ve got to feel like I’m the guy who’s playing the best of the two of us.

"But it’s not just about us two because I’ve got to win, or finish top three and hope he doesn’t finish top 10.

"Realistically, I’ve got to be targeting the top two spots.

"But there are a lot of guys to beat, including the world No 1, Lee Westwood, who is the course and distance specialist.

"And you’ve got your Paul Caseys, Luke Donalds, Ian Poulters and Rory McIlroys and some other seriously strong guys running around."