there's times I've seen his hands bleed from the amount of work he puts in.

"He will spend hours when not playing tournaments, on the range at Whisper Rock in Phoenix and then when he's back home in Germany. And you look back two years ago when he was at the lowest he's ever been, so to come back now and win this event is huge for him.

"What you saw out there this week was a new Martin Kaymer, as he's a much improved golfer but the mindset is very much the old Martin."

Kaymer had singled out Connelly for praise earlier in the week and it was also opportune for Connelly to compliment the player. "Martin is so easy going and we get on so well because he listens to my bull****," he said with a smile. "He's a straight shooter as well because he will give me a blast if I'm doing something wrong, as well. He will also compliment me when you're done it well like this week.

"Martin has the heart of a lion and never gives in, never gives in and doesn't know the meaning of the word and hopefully this win will go on and lead to Martin playing in a third Ryder Cup in September and getting himself back to World No. 1."

Kaymer, who first became the world No.1 in April 2011, jumped 33 places in the rankings to No.28 and also ascended to ninth among the automatic qualifiers for the Europe Ryder Cup team points table. "Paul McGinley [who will act as Europe's captain at this year's event] walked with me on Wednesday and we had a nice chat," said Kaymer.

"I think he will be a brilliant captain because as a person the way he talks to you, he's a very respectful man and he really listens to you and he wants to help. He's not a selfish player and not a selfish captain. He wants us to feel as comfortable as possible.

"It was a good start this week with this win but I just need to continue playing well to get more points in the rankings and get myself qualified to make the team."

Stephen Gallacher's disappointment at missing the cut at the Players Championship was compounded by a drop of three places to 14th overall on the Ryder Cup points table.