USPGA champion Martin Kaymer makes his European homecoming this week, admitting his excitement is already growing ahead of the Ryder Cup.
The German will return to action for the first time since his major triumph last month when he appears in the KLM Open in Holland.
His success at Whistling Straits will be quickly followed by his Ryder Cup debut for Europe at Celtic Manor next month and, after a break following the USPGA, Kaymer is eager to get going again.
“I had a three-week break straight after the win, which was very nice,” he said.
“This is a very nice week for me to play because it is close to home. It was only a two-hour drive and my family and some friends are coming over this week. This feels like a second German event for me because it is so close to home.”
After coming up slightly short for Valhalla two years ago, Kaymer breezed it this time around with his big win across the Atlantic.
“Two years ago I really felt the pressure to get into the Ryder Cup team but this year is very different,” he said.
“I qualified easily by winning the PGA and I see this week as a good way to get ready for the Ryder Cup. It is nice for me to come back to Holland where I used to come with my parents in the past because it is so close to home.
“I would have to say my expectations are a lot higher than they were when I last played the KLM (two years ago).
“We will see how it goes after three weeks off but I feel good, rested and I think I am ready to win again.”
Ryder Cup team-mates Ross Fisher – a winner of the KLM Open three years ago – and Francesco Molinari are in the field in Holland, the latter seeking a first win since the 2006 Italian Open.
Kaymer’s fellow 2010 golden boy, Open winner Louis Oosthuizen, will be also among the contenders in Hilversum.
The South African admits he is still working towards a return to normality following his own major success earlier this year.
“Things are a lot different away from the golf course now,” he said.
“I have a bit more responsibility as the Open champion whereas beforehand I was very happy to sneak under the radar at tournaments. That doesn’t really happen any more and there are a few more things to think about off the course.
“I have taken a bit of time to settle and focus on the golf again but every week is getting a little easier, so hopefully this week is the turning point.”