Martin Kaymer can move back up to third in the Official World Golf Rankings with a top eight finish in this week’s Alstom Open de France - and the German has every reason to be confident.
Kaymer defeated current World Number Two Lee Westwood in a play-off to claim victory in this tournament two years ago, and also finished in ties for seventh and sixth in 2007 and 2010 respectively.
It is no surprise, therefore, to hear the 26 year old reveal he has fond memories of the course that has been chosen to stage the 2018 Ryder Cup.
“I won in 2009 here and obviously before that I’ve done well here already. I think it’s one of the best golf courses we play on The European Tour,” he said.
“When I played the Pro-Am I think they changed only one hole, the seventh tee box is new. Besides that, the golf course has not changed at all.
“I consider it a golf course that I really like, and it suits my eye.”
Kaymer’s home country was among those to lose out to France in the race to host The Ryder Cup in seven years time, yet he can understand the reasons behind the decision.
“It will be a great venue for the Ryder Cup in 2018,” he added.
“Of course I would have loved to have The Ryder Cup in Germany, my country, but maybe we are going to get it in 2022.
“I think everything around here, the surrounding, area is fantastic for The Ryder Cup. The last four or five holes, I think they are built for The Ryder Cup, especially for the spectators. A lot of drama will be going on on 16 and 18 for sure, those holes, when you have water involved.
“And of course it would be nice to be part of The Ryder Cup here, because I have done well here always and it would be nice to play one of the biggest events that you can play in my sport on a golf course where I have very good memories on.”
A strong performance this week would boost Kaymer’s chances of climbing back towards the World Number One slot he occupied earlier this year.
He feels he is now better prepared for the added demands that come with reaching the top of the rankings, which are currently headed by four European Tour members, with Luke Donald, Westwood and US Open Champion Rory McIlroy ahead of Kaymer.
Looking back on his previous stint as World Number One, Kaymer explained: “I definitely had a little bit less time to practise and a little less time for family and friends, because I had to do a lot of media.
“I had a lot of different requests that I was not used to having, but my management and my family and me, we are trying to organise everything as well as possible and it was fine. It was just a matter of getting used to it.
“If it were to happen again that I would become Number One, I would know what to expect and it would definitely be easier for me.”
