European Ryder Cup qualifiers set as Kaymer cliniches final automatic spot

GLENEAGLES, Scotland -- Martin Kaymer's place on the European Ryder Cup team was confirmed Sunday as Nicolas Colsaerts failed to dislodge him at the Johnnie Walker Championship.

The German has not had a top-10 finish since April and did not play in the Johnnie Walker, the final qualifying event, even though he could have been left needing a wild card.

Belgian Colsaerts failed to achieve the top-two finish he needed, however, and Kaymer has therefore made his second straight Ryder Cup team.

"I am obviously very happy. A little relieved yes, but overall it is just a great feeling," he said. "I've been struggling for the last few months, but since the [PGA Championship] I have made a lot of progress. I am starting to feel confidence again, my fade is coming back and the ball-striking is getting better and better.

"You can feel the build-up to the Ryder Cup and that is inspiring me to work harder than ever to get ready," added Kaymer, who has been working on a swing change this year. "The best way I can help the team is to get my own game back to a level where I am happy. There was a point where I thought I might not be able to help the team, but I have all the motivation now and I will be ready."

Colsaerts finished tied for 19th, six shots off the second place he so desired. He didn’t look like he would make the climb he required from 13th place overnight once he ran up a bogey on the second hole Sunday.

Europe's biggest hitter last season and this would have qualified with a 66, but he shot 72.

The main worry then was that Rafa Cabrera-Bello might win and go ahead of him on the points table, but the Spaniard tied for 10th, and his wild-card hopes, while still alive, appear slim.

"It's been a long summer,'' said Colsaerts. "I've only taken one week off in the last nine weeks.

"It was difficult to play the tournament just like any other one. There was always somebody to bring the Ryder Cup subject up," he explained. "I think I've done everything I could to put myself in this position.''

Asked whom he thought was in the battle for the last two spots -- which will be announced on Monday -- he replied: "I see Poulter and myself!''

And if he does not get the nod?

"I would feel very disappointed because I gave my heart out," he said. "I just don't see a bad ending of this story.''

Rather than flying home for some much-needed rest, he is staying overnight.

"It's going to be difficult to sleep," he said. "I've got 14 hours to bite my fingers.''

Unless, that is, Captain Jose Maria Olazabal gets in touch sooner.