Graeme McDowell says the Volvo World Match Play Championship is back in its "spiritual home" as he starts the defence of his title at The London Club on Wednesday.

McDowell, who helped Europe to Ryder Cup glory at Gleneagles three weeks ago, tees off his first group match against Alexander Levy at 11.45am.

The reigning champion spoke out in support of the tournament at his press conference on Tuesday.

McDowell said: "It’s great to be back at this very prestigious event and back at the spiritual home of the tournament in London - or close enough.

"This is a great venue, The London Club. The International’s a slightly shorter golf course and it will lend itself better to match play.

"Volvo have done great things with this tournament. It’s bounced around the last few years, Spain and down in Bulgaria last year, which was a lot of fun to be part of - and nice to add my name to a trophy alongside Player, Nicklaus, Ballesteros and Norman.

"This is a prestigious event and it’s one of the key events on the European Tour. It’s important that this event continues and is supported by this type of field. This is a strong field this week and we’re back in London, where this tournament belongs.

"I’m excited about my defence and it’s nice to not have to switch gears after a couple of weeks off, from a match play frame of mind. I was able to keep the match play switch-flick for the last couple of weeks and I’m looking forward to continuing where I left off at Gleneagles and win a couple of matches and get myself into the weekend.

"I’m coming here feeling fresh and I’m excited to play golf this week. I’ll try to get as far as I can this week and try to put some money on the board. I want to finish the season strong."

Also in the Gustaf Larson Group with McDowell and Levy are Joost Luiten and Mikki Ilonen.

Among the other players to have travelled to Kent are Henrik Stenson, Jamie Donaldson, Victor Dubuisson, Stephen Gallacher - who all played alongside McDowell at Gleneagles - and Patrick Reed, one of the star performers on the United States Ryder Cup team.