Martin Kaymer admits he was hugely relieved to get the phone call from Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke confirming he had done enough to earn a spot on the European team.

Clarke named Kaymer along with Lee Westwood and Thomas Pieters as his wildcards for the matches against the USA at Hazeltine from September 30 – October 2.

Two-time major champion Kaymer has been in good recent form, without winning.

The German has enjoyed an impressive recent run of top-ten finishes but he remains winless since his US Open victory at Pinehurst in 2014.

The 31-year-old has played in three Ryder Cups since 2010, during which time Europe are unbeaten, and he says it was a key goal this year to get onto the team for Hazeltine.

Kaymer thanked his skipper for the faith he has shown in selecting him. “I had two goals this year, the Olympic Games and making the Ryder Cup team.

Fortunately Darren helped me with one, and the other one I did on my own,” said Kaymer.

At Medinah in 2012, Kaymer famously holed the decisive putt in his singles match with Steve Stricker as Europe, under the guidance of Jose Maria Olazabal, completed a stunning Sunday fightback to win.

While relieved at his selection, Kaymer knows that the hard work is still ahead. “It is a relief, but now the time starts again to prepare for the biggest event in our sport.

I’m really excited because it gives you a little bit of motivation again, even though it’s almost the end of the year, because it’s still a massive highlight coming up, especially playing in America,” he added.

“It was a short phone call with Darren but I was just very glad for the words he chose, which were very nice. I can promise that I will play with everything that I have because it means a lot to me.”

Kaymer, Westwood and Pieters join European teammates Rafa Cabrera Bello, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Sergio Garcia, Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson, Andy Sullivan, Danny Willett and Chris Wood for the clash with Davis Love’s USA.

Europe are 2.70 to win the Ryder Cup while the United States are 1.60 and the draw is 11.00.