*Update: Yannik Paul withdrew on Thursday morning before his opening round due to a back injury
Yannik Paul says he is “just getting started” on his journey to realising his ambition of becoming a world-renowned golfer as he targets a dream victory on home soil at this week’s BMW International Open.
The German arrives at Golfclub München Eichenried inside the top 100 on the Official World Golf Ranking after a host of stellar performances this season, having claimed his breakthrough DP World Tour win last October in Mallorca.
A tie for third – his fourth top-ten finish of the campaign – at the Volvo Scandinavian Mixed earlier this month lifted Paul back into an automatic qualifying position for this year’s Ryder Cup and that is where he starts this week.
Earlier this season, Paul highlighted how he had initially struggled for form due to increased expectations before a change in mindset helped bring about an upturn in his fortunes.
Without a missed cut since the Ras al Khaimah Championship, the 29-year-old is riding high in 12th place on the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex and is only looking up in his quest for continued success.
“I always believed that I could be one of the top players in the world,” he said.
“I get asked that question a lot and it took me some time after turning pro but I did a lot of mental work, I visualised a lot, I saw everything and I saw it unfold. It’s not a surprise to me.
“I have really high goals and I want to become one of the best players in the world, contend in Majors, win as many times as possible on the DP World Tour and the PGA TOUR.
“I feel like I’m just getting started and I can continue that form.”
Three weeks on from the Porsche European Open, Paul has the opportunity once again to play in front of expectant home crowds amid a stunning renaissance among German golfers.
The BMW International Open carries extra significance for Paul as it was where the 2021 Challenge Tour graduate began his amateur career in 2015.
“I think every German player dreams of winning at home so that would be amazing if I could do that this week,” he said.
“I’m just trying to enjoy the week; a lot of family and friends are coming out so I’m trying not to have too high expectations but I would love to win.
“Pressure means that you’re doing something right. I enjoy it when fans are coming out and people watching us.
“We’ve got a full German group this week so hopefully a lot of people come out and support us. If I can be in contention come Sunday then it would be even better.”
With Victor Perez and Adrian Meronk among a host of other rival Ryder Cup hopefuls in actions this week, Paul knows there is everything to play for ahead of an important stretch of events on European soil leading up to the 151st Open Championship next month.
“We’re getting closer [to the Ryder Cup] but there’s still a Rolex Series event, the Open, a Major, so a lot of events with a lot of points, and everything is really close together,” he said.
“We’re all fighting for that last spot as Jon and Rory are high up. I’m trying to focus. I would love to play there but I’m trying to focus on what I can control.
“I’m trying to play well. I want to try and get one of the ten cards for the PGA TOUR and if I can play well, get in contention, win a few then the Ryder Cup will take care of itself.”
One person who will have a keen eye on how Paul performs is European Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald, who tees it up this week as the countdown to this year’s contest at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club reached the 100-day mark.
There are just over two months left to go in the European qualification process which reaches a close at the Omega European Masters, with Paul joined by Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland, Tyrrell Hatton and Matt Fitzpatrick in occupying one of the six automatic spots on offer.
Former World Number One Donald is excited by how his team is shaping up with many in excellent form around the world but it is some of the storylines created by his budding rookies that is giving him plenty of encouragement.
“There are established players and players who have been there who are playing really well. Every week it seems like they’re up there consistently in the big events, against strong fields, playing really well.
“I wish that to continue and I think from the side of trying to fulfil the team and fill those last few spots, we’re looking for some rookies who are really keen to be a part of it.
“There have been some great stories and great victories from those guys too, so I’m really happy with where we are.”
Donald, who is making his first appearance this week at the BMW International Open since 2009, is joined by all three of his vice captains - Thomas Bjørn, Edoardo Molinari and Nicolas Colsaerts – this week.
“I said from the beginning that I’m looking to see the excitement and commitment from these guys to be a part of that,” he added.
“I’m very excited with how it’s going, how these guys are playing over here on the DP World Tour.
“It’s another reason why it’s important to be here. Edoardo is here, Nicolas is here, Thomas is here, we’ll be having dinner tonight to discuss stuff.
“It’s much better to be here in person having those conversations together. We can get through a lot of important information.
“Communication is invaluable and that will certainly be stepping up over the next few months.”
