Kaymer looks to continue improving ahead of Ryder Cup at KLM Open

HILVERSUM, Netherlands -- Martin Kaymer is hoping to return to form in the KLM Open this week.

The 27-year-old German won the tournament two years ago during a purple patch that saw him win four straight events. He won the PGA Championship and was part of Europe's successful Ryder Cup team in 2010, and his success in Holland came sandwiched in between.

His form has slipped since then, but he believes he is close to returning to his full potential after making subtle changes to his game in advance of this year’s Ryder Cup, which is at the end of this month in Chicago.

"Two years ago, it was a period of time when I played incredibly well," he said. "I played four events and I won them all in a row, with the third being the Ryder Cup.

"It was a really, really good time where you don't think about anything," he explained. "You step on the first tee on the Thursday morning and you know the score you have to shoot to raise the trophy.

"I have changed a few things in my swing and so you adapt a little and play a little more controlled, and not as free. So you lose a bit of distance as well. I would never say that was a wrong decision though, because I grew as a player."

Dutchman Joost Luiten, whose solitary win on the European Tour came at the Iskandar Johor Open last November, is relishing performing in front of a home crowd at Hilversumsche Golf Club.

"It's always a week we look forward to as Dutch players," he said. "There is always a lot of attention for us. It is a great week with a lot of spectators and I always hope to play well in this event."

Luiten, 26, finished sixth in the KLM Open last year and is hoping for another good performance this time around.

"I like the course," he said. "I did well here last year and finished sixth, but I just love playing in front of the home crowd.

"They are always behind the Dutch players and it would be nice to do well for them," he added. "Hopefully my game is in good shape and I can perform well for them."

Also in the field this week are Kaymer’s European Ryder Cup teammates Peter Hanson and Nicolas Colsaerts, along with Captain Jose Maria Olazabal and Vice Captain Miguel Angel Jimenez. Last week’s winner Richie Ramsay is playing as are Paul Casey, Thomas Levet, Danny Willett, David Lynn, Robert Karlsson, Matteo Manassero, Ross Fisher, Darren Clarke and Henrik Stenson.