Kaymer better than ever

Wentworth: Former world number one Martin Kaymer believes his game is in better shape than when he was top of the global rankings three years ago.

The German headed the ratings for eight weeks in 2011 the year after winning his first and to date only major - the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. After winning in South Africa in 2012 he did not gain another victory until holding on to win at The Players Championship at Sawgrass at the beginning of the month. The 29-year has remodelled his swing over the last two years and his recent win in the United States suggested it was a job well done. And the Ryder Cup player, now ranked 28 in the world and at Wentworth preparing for the European PGA Championship which starts on Thursday, insists he is an improved player to the one who was at the summit of the game back in 2011. "I can hit any shot that I want to hit," Kaymer told reporters at Wentworth. "I didn`t believe that I could do it when I was No. 1 in the world or even when I won the PGA Championship. It was very easy for me to play golf, but it was not satisfying. "I would say I`m a more complete player. But it`s very important that we don`t put it in the wrong perspective now that I should play well every week. Golf is a very difficult sport." Kaymer followed up his win at The Players - where he nearly lost a three-shot lead - by finishing in a share for 29th place at the Byron Nelson Championship at Las Colinas, Texas last weekend. That was his sixth start in seven weeks in the United States and the German has promised himself some time off, ahead of the US Open at Pinehurst, as soon as he has played at Wentworth in the European Tour`s flagship event this week. Kaymer added: "Next week, I don`t want to play golf. I want to do certain other things. I want to see family, see some friends. I have three cousins that are triplets and I would like to see them, play some football. "The week before the US Open, then I see my coach again. But next week is more about fun, hopefully reflecting on what happened the last few weeks and enjoying the success a little bit. "Physically I feel fit, but that win at The Players took a lot out of me." This year`s event marks the 60th anniversary of the European PGA Championship with Italy`s Matteo Manassero here to defend the title he won in a three-way play-off last year. Two-time winner Luke Donald is also in the field along with the in-form 50-year old Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez and the 2010 champion from England, Simon Khan who missed out in sudden death 12 months ago.