Kaymer's delighted to be invited to the Ryder Cup
PULHEIM, Germany (PA) -- Martin Kaymer has confirmed he has been offered an invitation by Nick Faldo to join Europe's Ryder Cup party at Valhalla.
The young German star came close to qualifying for the European team, having recorded two wins on the European Tour this season. Ultimately, the 23-year-old just missed out as he finished one spot behind Englishman Oliver Wilson, who claimed the last automatic berth on Faldo's side.
However, widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in both European and world golf, Faldo has decided to hand Kaymer the opportunity to gain some first-hand Ryder Cup experience. He seems a certainty to feature for Europe in years to come and will now get the chance to savor the unique atmosphere of the event over on American soil.
"Luckily I got an invitation from Nick Faldo to be there as a guest to join the team and to see how it feels to be at the Ryder Cup -- enjoy the atmosphere and all the other stuff. So I'll be at Valhalla," he told Sky Sports at the Mercedes-Benz Championship.
"It will be my first time to be at the Ryder Cup, so I'm really looking forward to enjoying the atmosphere."
However, Kaymer played down claims he will act as the team's "first reserve," insisting he is just relishing the opportunity to soak up the action as part of the European party.
"I don't know about that (first reserve)," he continued. "I'm just a guest.
"I think they (Europe) have a really strong team and all of us should hope that no-one gets injured," he added. "Everybody should play in the team. I wish the team all the best."
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