Martin Kaymer insists he is not placing pressure on himself to make a fourth straight Ryder Cup appearance after putting the result before his ego.
The German secured the point which retained the trophy in 2012 after the Miracle at Medinah and was also on the winning European teams in 2010 and 2014.
But the former world number one and two-time major winner is relaxed about making Darren Clarke's team for Hazeltine in September, despite starting the week 15th in the qualifying race.
"O f course I would like to be there but it doesn't affect me in a negative way," Kaymer said after an opening 66 in the US PGA Championship at Baltusrol left him a shot off the lead.
" 2008 was the first time that I had a realistic chance to make the team and every single day I played a tournament I was just thinking about points and comparing myself to other players who I was fighting with to get that final spot.
"Now I'm very relaxed about it b e cause I know since 2012, since I made that putt, deep down I know it's a team effort. If I'm good enough to contribute something to the team, to make a win or to help it win, great. If somebody else would be better, then he should play. It's not about me.
"This week is about me, and all the other weeks. But the Ryder Cup is more about the 12 players. And I don't want to make myself too important, you know. If I make it, I hope I can win and I can help the team. If not, I'm not good enough; somebody else is better."
Source: PA
