Martin Kaymer has arrived in Scotland as a Ryder Cup hero - and fully aware of how close he was to being "the biggest idiot".

The 27-year-old, who now tries to follow European success with Dunhill Links Championship victory just as he did two years ago, said of his crucial last hole at Medinah: "It was such a fine line and fortunately it went the right way".

Kaymer also gave a possible explanation for sending his 25-foot first putt on the final green against Steve Stricker six feet past.

It was the moment when the magnificent comeback by Jose Maria Olazabal's side looked as if it might suffer a shocking late twist, but the German held his nerve to make the par needed for Europe to retain the trophy.

Kaymer told caddie Craig Connolly before his birdie attempt: "I want to make that putt - I want the ultimate thrill. I think that was a good attitude at that stage. You don't want to just hit close to the hole and then knock it in.

"Even though it was more difficult in the end, it was an even better feeling.

"Of course it was a lot of pressure, but I see it more like a gift what happened.

"It's very, very rare that you are in a position as a golf player to make such an important putt.

''There will never, ever, be a more important putt in my life. Even if I have a chance in two years' time again I've done it before already."

Kaymer hugged his brother afterwards and had one big concern - how had he looked on television after sinking the cup-winning putt.

''You can see my emotions. It was on a completely different level to the PGA (his major victory in 2010). I asked my brother 'Did I look ridiculous?' because I was in a complete new zone. I have never seen myself like this. I have never reacted like this.

''He said 'No, you're fine and even if you looked ridiculous it's a good thing because it comes natural. It's how you felt, it's a true feeling, it doesn't matter'.

''I've watched it a few times on tv and YouTube and stuff. Yeah, it didn't look that bad!''