Martin Kaymer hopes for fewer off-course distractions at French Open

Martin Kaymer is looking forward to having fewer distractions this week as he headlines a high-quality field at the French Open.

The German has endured a hectic six weeks after following up his victory in the Players Championship with a dominant win at the US Open.

The 29-year-old was the centre of attention on his return to his homeland shortly after his record-breaking eight-shot triumph at Pinehurst.

But he was unable to give his home fans much to cheer on the course at the BMW International Open in Cologne as he missed the cut by four strokes.

Kaymer now heads to Le Golf National near Versailles hoping for a quieter week off the course as he chases his second French Open title.

Asked what he was looking forward to most this week, Kaymer said: "Just having more time for yourself, having a quiet week even though we planned it and organised it very well last week with the media and all those things.

"But then you get lots of text messages, 'can I have this, can I get that, can I have a few more tickets, can you leave them here', all that stuff. It's a tough one. If you don't respond then they think you're cocky or you've changed.

"I just didn't play as good. It's that simple. To play in your home country is very, very difficult and I think for a lot of
French players this week as well, there are so many expectations from all the people.

"This week, I came here Tuesday morning, I went to the range and it was so quiet. I said to my caddy that it is nice to stay on the range and no-one is talking to you, you can really work. I miss that.

“This week I hope it's going to stay like that and I can enjoy it as much as I have in the past."

Kaymer, who plays alongside defending champion Graeme McDowell and home favourite Victor Dubuisson for the first two rounds, is relishing a return to his favourite European Tour venue.

The world No 12 edged out Lee Westwood to win at Le Golf National in 2009, and he will draw on positive memories this week.

"Playing the US Open, playing the German Open, it's very tough. There is a lot of stuff that goes on. This week it's nice to prepare for the main reason why you are here. You are here to play golf," he said.

Favourite course

"I've done well here in the past. It's my favourite golf course that we play on the European Tour.

“It's always one of the greatest challenges that we have, you really need to play good golf in order to score well. I like those golf courses were par is a good score."

Meanwhile, Kaymer's victory at Pinehurst has earned him the Race to Dubai European Tour golfer of the month award for June.

He added: "It's obviously great to win this award again, although I would've been a little surprised if I hadn't won - it would be strange to win a major and not be named the golfer of the month!

"It's always nice for people to recognise your success and your hard work. I'm just moving into my new apartment in Dusseldorf and I have a big wall with lots of shelves to put my trophies on, so I'm sure I can find a very nice spot for this award."

Watch all four days of the French Open live on Sky Sports 4, coverage starts Thursday at 9.30am.