“I couldn’t have wished for a stronger partner.” An interview with BMW Golfsport Ambassador Martin Kaymer.

Question: What made you decide to intensify your relationship with BMW by taking on the role of official BMW Golfsport Ambassador?

Martin Kaymer: There are a number of reasons, I guess. BMW has played a pioneering role in promoting the development of golf at both national and international level for decades. As professional players, we all benefit of course. But the company’s involvement helps the younger players in particular. I benefited from this as an amateur. And I’m now very proud to have the opportunity to work even more closely with BMW as its golf ambassador, making public appearances in future on behalf of the company and officially representing the BMW brand. I’m particularly pleased that my first tournament as BMW Golfsport Ambassador is also one of the highlights on the calendar.

Question: One of the highlights of your golf career to date was without question the BMW International Open…

Kaymer: For sure. As an unknown 18-year-old back in 2003, I was fortunate enough to be one of two amateurs to get an invitation to play in the BMW International Open. Opportunities like that are fundamental to young players. That experience not only gave me self-belief, it also strengthened my resolve to turn professional and work even harder on my game.

Question: You also made the cut on that occasion.

Kaymer: Yes, my game was especially good on the first two days. It was a really strange experience to suddenly find myself playing alongside – and scoring pretty well against – golf stars I recognised only from television. I often look back on my early days because I think it’s important to remember how it all began. That’s one reason why the BMW International Open will always be of special significance in my career.

Question: Nevertheless, winning in Munich in 2008 must have felt even better?

Kaymer: It was incredible. To be the first German to win the BMW International Open meant a lot to me of course, particularly as the play-off against Anders Hansen (Denmark) made for such a dramatic finale. Hopefully this year I’ll be able to win the title for a second time. At any rate, after missing the cut last year I’m looking forward to putting in a decent performance at the end of June in Eichenried. In addition to that, of course, there are a few other BMW tournaments I’ve got my sights set on…

Question: Which would be your favourite?

Kaymer: I’ve no particular preference. The flagship tournament of our European Tour is the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, the home of the PGA European Tour. And the BMW Championship in Chicago is one of the crucial play-off tournaments for the US PGA Tour – although for that I would have to earn a full PGA Tour card. BMW is involved with so many great tournaments, as well as being a partner of the 2010 Ryder Cup. Such widespread involvement is of course another reason why I was happy to accept the invitation to become BMW Golfsport Ambassador. I could not have wished for a stronger partner in international golf.

Question: What would be your personal dream car?

Kaymer: At BMW you’re rather spoiled for choice. I had the opportunity to try out several vehicles from the fleet on the BMW test circuit in Munich-Aschheim – including a BMW M3 and a BMW Z4 Roadster. Then I was taken on a test lap by BMW works driver Jörg Müller in a BMW 320si WTCC. That was the coolest ride of my life; it was great fun to get a glimpse into the world of motor sport. In terms of precision and concentration, I think motor sport and golf have much in common. The car I drive at the moment is a MINI Cooper S.

Question: You mentioned the Ryder Cup, which takes place this year in Wales from 1st to 3rd October. Is making the team one of your priorities this season?

Kaymer: Absolutely. The Ryder Cup is held only every two years and last time I missed out on qualification by one place. Things are looking reasonably promising at the moment. I think I’m ready for it. But there are so many good players in Europe that I’m going to have to keep coming up with good performances if I’m to be sure of a place in the team.

Question: Despite missing out on qualifying in 2008, captain Nick Faldo took you as an observer to the Ryder Cup in the United States. What did you learn?

Kaymer: I learned a whole lot about the way the tournament operates, the interplay between captain and players and among the players themselves. But perhaps the most important thing for me was to soak up that unique atmosphere. It just doesn’t feel like a normal tournament, it’s more like a football stadium. Having experienced that at first hand motivated me even more to gain selection this year. I hope I make it. The fact that BMW is also a Ryder Cup partner is perhaps a good omen.

Question: Returning to the present, this week you’ll be playing in the prestigious Players’ Championship in Sawgrass, Florida, your first tournament since undergoing an operation on your foot. How has the treatment been going?

Kaymer: Very well. The operation had been planned for some time following my injury towards the end of last summer. Although I suffered relatively few problems prior to the operation, I’m glad the whole thing is now behind me and I can look forward with full confidence to the goals that lie ahead.

Question: Can we expect a strong comeback?

Kaymer: I hope so! It would be really special to get a good result in my first tournament as BMW Golfsport Ambassador.