Martin Kaymer looking forward to return to Europe at the KLM Open

Martin Kaymer will look to turn the loss of his full playing privileges on the PGA Tour to his advantage with his first victory on European soil for five years in the KLM Open.

Failing to qualify for the FedEx Cup play-offs meant Kaymer lost his full PGA Tour membership, leaving the 30-year limited to 12 events on the US circuit next season.

The former US PGA and US Open champion now heads to Zandvoort looking to win the KLM Open for the second time, having previous won at Hilversum in 2010.

"I'm incredibly relieved to come back to Europe after that long stretch in America fighting to make the FedEx Cup play-offs," Kaymer said. "At the time of course I wanted to make the play-offs, but now I'm happy that I can be back here. 

"It's natural that when you can play at home or near where you're from, it's always more comfortable, so I'm enjoying being here and I'm looking forward to it.

"I've been playing really well since the French Open, although I haven't won and I've been close to the top 10 a few times. I was in Phoenix last week to practise for this week and the rest of the year. 

"It can be tricky here and when the wind blows it can be very tight. You need to drive it well and the greens are slopey, but I think if you hit the fairways you should have many chances because it's not very long."

The German is part of the afternoon featured group in a strong field alongside Ryder Cup team-mate Jamie Donaldson and Irish Open champion Soren Kjeldsen, while Thomas Bjorn has been paired with European Tour winners Andy Sullivan and James Morrison for the opening two rounds.

European Tour Golf

Miguel Angel Jimenez features for the first time since last month's missed cut at Whistling Straits, while American veteran Tom Watson makes his debut at Kennemer G&CC. 

"I've been invited many, many times over my career to play in the Dutch Open over the past 25 years and I've always a reason not to come, but this year I didn't," Watson told a pre-tournament press conference. "I felt that before I get way too long in the tooth I'd like to come over and play.

"My game is in pretty good shape, I'm hitting the ball pretty well and I think I'm on an upswing as far as hitting the ball is concerned.

"The length is a little shorter than normal, but it can be a very challenging golf course. I'm just going to enjoy playing and I hope my game is up to the challenge to do well here."

Last week's Russian Open champion Lee Slattery makes an immediate return to action, while former major champion Padraig Harrington and Europe's Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke also both feature. 

Watch the opening round of the KLM Open live via the red button on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf