Kaymer remains upbeat
Martin Kaymer believes his absence from the PGA Tour next season will give him an opportunity to focus on qualifying for the European Ryder Cup team.
The former world number one lost his PGA Tour card after he failed to qualify for the FedEx Cup playoffs, but the German believes playing on the European Tour and the shorter distances he will travel between tournaments will improve his chances of being part of Darren Clarke's Ryder Cup team at Hazeltine.
The 30-year-old's name has already been written into Ryder Cup lore after he sunk the winning put that completed the 'Miracle at Medinah', where the European team won the event having trailed by four points going into the final day.
"The good thing is I can focus more on the points for the Ryder Cup," Kaymer said of his PGA Tour hiatus.
"Another positive thing is I can be home more. I don't need to worry about the back and forth to America. In the media, it was more negatively written about, but I see it as a positive.
"We always have a little bit of a low between the Ryder Cups, but when it comes down to the important tournaments we are ready to play.
"Somehow the Ryder Cups bring something special out of you. It's probably the passion, the honour, the pride, all those things that give you a little bit extra that you need."
Latest
-
European Tour‘Is this where I am going to die?’ Nicolas Colsaerts on kidney disorder battle
The Belgian is the focus of attention this week as he belatedly defends the Cazoo Open de France title he won three years ago.
-
Ryder CupOn this day in 2008: Ryder Cup misery in Louisville for Nick Faldo’s Europe team
Faldo was heavily criticised for his tactics in the closing singles.
-
LIV GolfOpen champion Cameron Smith wins first LIV trophy in just second start
The world number two is the highest-ranked player to join the rebel series.
-
European TourRobert MacIntyre beats Matt Fitzpatrick in play-off to win Italian Open
MacIntyre birdied the first extra hole at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, the venue for next year’s Ryder Cup.
-
European TourMatt Fitzpatrick holds narrow lead ahead of final round at Italian Open
Rory McIlroy and Aaron Rai are one shot off the pace.
-
European TourRory McIlroy picks up the pace to claim lead ahead of Matt Fitzpatrick in Rome
McIlroy’s group looked unlikely to complete their second rounds after taking three hours to play nine holes.
-
NewsMatt Fitzpatrick leads way at Italian Open despite ‘inconsistent’ display
The US Open champion held a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Tom Lewis,
-
European TourRory McIlroy rues a late night until eagle gets him flying in Italian Open
The four-time major winner was only a shot behind leader Matt Fitzpatrick after the first round of the Rome event.
-
European TourRory McIlroy begins Italian Open with superb 67 after recovering from slow start
He kick-started his round by holing out from 115 yards for an eagle on the par-four third.
-
European TourShane Lowry: Golf risks alienating fans with disgusting amount of money involved
The BMW PGA Championship winner insists he was never tempted to join LIV Golf.