European Ryder Cup star Martin Kaymer expressed surprise at the USA ‘wildcard’ selection of rookie Brandt Snedeker over Rickie Fowler and Hunter Mahan.
USA Team captain, Davis Love 111 chose Dustin Johnson, Steve Stricker, Jim Furky and the previously uncapped Brandt Snedeker.
Kaymer was on the Hilversum practice range and preparing for this week’s KLM Open when he learnt of the USA team picks.
“I expected Dustin (Johnson) and (Steve) Stricker but also thought Rickie (Fowler) had a good chance because he made a really good impression in Wales two years ago,” said Kaymer.
Martin Kaymer surprised Brandt Snedeker chosen to play in the Ryder Cup ahead of Hunter Mahan and Rickie Fowler. (Photo – www.golffille.ie)
“So I thought Rickie would be a strong chance of getting a pick but then (Jim) Furyk is a good pick because of his experience and he’s a guy who has been there many, many times.
“But then it was a tough decision between (Brandt) Snedeker, Hunter Mahan and Rickie Fowler.
“You could have put those three names in a hat and pick any one of them.
“It’s tough to say who deserved it more as Snedeker will be a rookie and then Rickie and Hunter played in 2010.”
And the Ryder Cup will sure to be a topic of conversation for Kaymer as he is playing the first two rounds of the Dutch event in the company of the European Team captain, Jose Maria Olazabal and Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts.
“I can’t remember the last time I played with Jose Maria but now that I’m in the team I don’t feel as though I will be under sort of pressure as such,” said Kaymer.
“Of course, the Ryder Cup will sure come up in conversation but then the three us also will be focused on trying to capture the KLM Open.
However Olazabal will be looking for a return to form by the 10-time European Tour winning German who is chasing a first success this season.
And Kaymer, who elected not to contest the final European Team qualifying event, revealed the anxiety he experienced in sitting out the Scottish event before securing the 10th and final automatic European Team position.
If Colsaerts had of finished top-two in Scotland he would have unseated Kaymer.
“There were two to three guys playing really well up to the Gleneagles event with Nicolas having the best chance of making the team,” said Kaymer.
“He played really nicely in America finishing seventh behind Sergio (Garcia) and then also at the Johnnie Walker.
“But I don’t think I have ever looked at tournament leader boards before without even playing.
“I was following what Nicolas was doing at Gleneagles almost every hole to see how he was performing.
“But in the end we both made it and we can be both happy.”
