Nicolas Colsaerts is relishing the opportunity of competing in the KLM Open as he starts his preparations for this month's Ryder Cup.
The 29 year old, who finished 19th at the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles a fortnight ago, was rewarded for his impressive form, which included winning the Volvo World Match Play Championship in May, with a wildcard pick from European Captain José María Olazábal.
Now the Belgian will make his first appearance since the announcement at Hilversumsche Golf Club, in the Netherlands, which is his penultimate tournament before his first appearance at the showpiece in Medinah.
Colsaerts, the only rookie in the European Team, will be playing alongside Olazábal and European team-mate Martin Kaymer, who was an automatic selection, and is naturally excited by the challenge that awaits him.
"You had to think I would be paired with Olly this week or next, so I'm sure, like Martin said yesterday, The Ryder Cup subject will appear with us all playing together," he said.
"I'm looking forward to it. I've just had a conversation with Paul McGinley and part of the reason for playing these two events is to see everyone and talk to people involved in The Ryder Cup and get as much info as you can to make sure you show up there in the best state of mind."
With Belgium currently not hosting an Open, the World Number 36 sees the French and Dutch tournaments as the next best thing.
He believes his knowledge of the course will stand him in good stead for a successful week.
"It is a place I have always liked. I have always considered the French Open and Dutch Open my two home Opens as we don't have one in Belgium," he added.
"It is a golf course that looks a lot like the ones I grew up playing back home. People here have always been very kind to me. I've some Dutch roots in the family and it has always been a great pleasure for me to come here.
"They have made some changes to the course to try to make it a little spicier and for once it is not going to rain all week. So we get to see the place a little different from how it has played in the past."
Colsaerts' selection in Europe's Ryder Cup side has sparked a media frenzy in his homeland, and the big-hitter admits he has enjoyed the attention.
"The reaction has been pretty good back at home, even though the Belgian press isn't very golf-specialised," he added.
"We had a press day two days after the announcement in Brussels and there were quite a lot of people there. Everyone is so excited and the TV have now got the rights to show The Ryder Cup so there will be a lot of late nights in Brussels and dinners and parties."
