Double major champion Martin Kaymer admitted Wednesday that his winless 2015 season was down to lack of practice.
Kaymer won the US Open and the Players Championship in a stellar 2014 as well as helping Europe to win the Ryder Cup for a third time in succession.
But he tees off in the BMW Masters in Shanghai on Thursday still searching for his first victory this campaign with a third in Abu Dhabi way back in January and a play-off loss to Rikard Karlberg in Italy in September the closest he has come.
When asked why he had endured the barren run, his answer was simple and honest. “I practised less,” said the German world number 26.
“The season so far, I wouldn't rate great because I haven't won a tournament.
“I've had a few top-10s here and there but in the end of the day, we all play for wins,” Kaymer told a news conference at Lake Malaren, venue for this week's penultimate tournament in the European Tour season.
He also hinted that he possibly celebrated the wins too hard, but was focused on putting things right ahead of a potentially huge 2016 which will feature golf's return to the Olympic Games and the Ryder Cup.
“Everything is leading up to those sort of big games next year,” said Kaymer.
“Last year was a very special year and for me it's very important that if you have big wins that you enjoy the wins, so they have a meaning to you.
“Some say it's right, some say it's wrong. For me, it's the best way to enjoy the wins and to motivate myself for new goals.”
He has few opportunities left this year to get back in the winning habit, and it's clear he would like some momentum going into the off-season.
“I have another two tournaments left this year that count for the Race to Dubai, and then two that I'm going to play after that (the Nedbank Championship in South Africa and the Thailand Golf Championship), so hopefully I can pick up another win.
“Usually I don't have a season without a win and I don't want that this year.”
Kaymer is currently 20th in the Race to Dubai and could force his way into the top 15 who qualify for a share of the $7.5 million bonus pool if he can win the BMW Masters this week.
“Well, the bonus is nice, but it's just a financial thing,” said Kaymer.
“You know, in the end of the day, my goal is to really finish as high as possible. Somewhere in the top 10 (in the Race to Dubai), that would be good.” – AFP