Kaymer’s eyeing Ryder Cup spot after Abu Dhabi win
MARTIN KAYMER is hoping a second Abu Dhabi Golf Championship title can pave the way for a debut Ryder Cup appearance.
The 25-year-old birdied the final hole to edge out England’s Ian Poulter and reclaim the title he won in 2008.
That year, Kaymer just missed out on a place in Nick Faldo’s Ryder Cup team which lost the cup to the Americans at Valhalla.
But after sealing a fifth European Tour title since then, the in-form German is hoping to earn a place in Colin Montgomerie’s team for return event at Celtic Manor this autumn.
“My goal for every year is to win two tournaments on the European Tour,” said Kaymer, who climbed to No6 in the world rankings with his win. “I did it in 2008 and 2009 and I hope I can do it this year.
“But my main goal is to play the Ryder Cup this year because when I went there two years ago I really felt I want to be there one day because it is so cool.
“Even though I wasn’t playing, it gave me so much experience and it helped me so much.”
Kaymer need only look to the experience at Poulter for inspiration – the 34-year-old sealing a fourth-straight top-10 finish which will enter him into the world’s top ten for the first time this morning.
“It’s a nice start to the season,” said Poulter, who matched Kaymer’s 66 to finish on 20-under-par.
“If you’re going to take the positives out of that, I’m pretty frustrated that I’ve walked away from shooting that score and I haven’t won.”
Rory McIlroy made it eight top-10 finishes in his last nine tournaments after his 67 saw him finish third, a further shot behind.
Irish Open champion Shane Lowry finished fourth – his best finish on the European Tour as a professional.