By John Tully-Jackson
Martin Kaymer is the only golfer with three Falcon trophies in his aviary and clearly has the pedigree to add a fourth. But if he does find himself in contention come Saturday’s final round, even the two-time major champion now admits he isn’t quite sure which Martin Kaymer will turn up.

The former world No.1 has given an intriguing insight into his psyche ahead of the 14th edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

Winless since his U.S. Open triumph at Pinehurst in 2014, Kaymer revealed that sometimes even a golfer as mentally secure as the German can find closing out a tournament beyond his reach.

“I had tournaments where I knew I would win going into Sunday, I had tournaments where I was doubting whatever happens today, and then I had days on Sundays when I was in the lead or when I was close that I knew I won’t win,” the 11-time European Tour winner said.

“Because the will was not there, or the fire, or the passion, whatever it was. I think it’s very human, very natural. So you just can’t plan it, you need to spontaneously react to the situation.”

If the Rolex Testimonee is to break his four-year drought, it won’t surprise if it is at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. The 34-year-old has a strong history on The National, winning in 2008 before going back-to-back in 2010 and 2011, so he feels comfortable in his surroundings.

“Obviously that [2008] was my first win that I had in my career, so it’s a place where I have a lot of good memories. From not only winning here three times, but having your first win here is very special.”

Kaymer will have his work cut out if he is to add a fourth Falcon to the flock, with a strong field amassed for the newly minted Rolex Series event. But he knows how to close it out in Abu Dhabi.

“I was close in 2015 to winning it four times. It’s just a matter of giving yourself a chance, you know, waiting for that chance again.

“I have so many positive memories on this golf course, I know I can play it sometimes better than others because of those great three wins that I had. So it’s just a matter of trying to put yourself in a position, that’s all you try to do for a Sunday [Saturday this year] afternoon.”

Having enjoyed so much success at an event could lead to a player heaping undue pressure on themselves, but for a golfer as well decorated and experienced as the man from Dusseldorf, that is not an issue.

“No, I don’t feel more pressure. The last few years I expect myself to play well, because I did play so well in the past, and even if I didn’t win, I finished I think three other times in the top three.

“I think it was more myself expecting to play well but you can’t expect yourself to play well every single year, its a strong field here and if you don’t have a good week then you won’t compete.”