Marcel Siem’s biggest concern heading into this week’s OpenChampionship is shortness in his concentration.

Siem elected not to contest the Sunningdale International Open qualifier citing tiredness after forcing his way into contention and then finishing fourth a day earlier in the BMW International Open in Cologne.

However his one stroke Versailles victory opened many doors for the player who turned 32 last Sunday and not only the biggest prize cheque of his career or a two-year European Tour exemption.

Marcel Siem seeking to strengthen his concentration heading into The Open. (Photo - Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.ie)

Siem knew immediately he had qualified for The Open along with next month’s back-to-back WGC – Bridgestone Invitational and the following week’s PGA Championship.

“After competing in Cologne I was just so tired so that’s why I withdrew from Sunningdale so the goal in competing in France and Scotland was to try and get that spot into The Open,” he said.

“So I knew straight away in winning the French Open that I was into The Open.

“The French Open will now open many doors for me and it’s fabulous The Open is very much the first big door.

“I am really looking forward to those two tournaments in America because in many ways I feel my game is more suited to the U.S. style courses.”

Siem played the third round of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open in the company of 2002 Open Champion, Ernie Els.

However there were times when Siem’s passion for the game boiled over but anyone knowing the Mettmann-born Siem know that’s a part of his make-up..

“It was great playing with Ernie but I first have to find my concentration for next week,” said Siem.

“Physically, I am still fine after winning the French Open but mentally I am struggling and making a few mistakes and I put that done to bad concentration.

“I just find myself noticing too many things around the golf course and I’m backing off shots when really I shouldn’t be worrying about them.

“I get a little angry and lose my head, so I will have to calm down a little bit and that’s what I will work on hard over my practice rounds at Lytham.

“But then anyone who knows me well know that I can be very emotional and I always tend to wear my heart on my sleeve, and it also shows just how passionate I am about this game.

“It was something I mentioned to Ernie and I feel also I learned a little from playing beside him because he is just relaxed-looking on the golf course.”

After turning professional in 2000, Siem will be making only his second Open appearance after debuting two years ago at St. Andrews.

However like a good number of Europeans competing this week, Siemis no stranger to the Lancashire links gem having contested a number of LythamTrophy events as an amateur.

“It will be a long time since I was last at Royal Lytham, so I am looking forward very much to going back,” he said.

“I played the Lytham Trophy quite a bit as an amateur and maybe about four or five times.

“I think I had three top-10s but then I am a different player now going back there next week.

“Although my clubface is still a little open and I need to work on getting the clubface closed a bit before then.

“I don’t mind links golf and the wind but it’s the rain I don’t like, so hopefully we will get some decent weather next week.

“I can see myself on the leader board next week as my confidence is still very high from winning the French Open.”

Siem will join good friend and compatriot, Martin Kaymer as the only German’s in this year’s 141st Open Championship.