England’s David Horsey is focused on defending his Russian Open title rather than the start of the race for the 2016 Ryder Cup.
Qualification for Darren Clarke’s team to go to Hazeltine in a year’s time begins with the event at the Skolkovo Golf Club, which is owned by Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich.
However, Horsey, who recorded his fourth European Tour win last month in Denmark, is concentrating on retaining the trophy he won in a play-off at the Tseleevo Golf Club.
“I just want to keep playing well. I’m not really thinking about it being the start of the Ryder Cup race at all,” he said. “I just want to turn up every week and try and compete every week, do my own thing and get my preparation done and try to win.
“It is always great to come back and defend a title, even if it is a different golf course.”
The Cheshire golfer admits even in victory last month he learned a lesson after missing the cut the following week at the Czech Masters.
“I was probably a little bit mentally tired last week, it takes a lot out of you that you don’t realise when you win,” he told his pretournament press conference.
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“Your confidence is high and you think you can win every week so maybe I have to learn from that. It was a course which didn’t really suit me, but I felt like I could score but maybe ran out of batteries on Friday.”
Horsey succeeded Michael Hoey as Russian Open champion, but the Northern Irishman is back in Moscow looking to rediscover some form in the city where the most recent of five career European Tour victories came.
“It’s a good opportunity here for myself and some of the younger guys to come and try get a win because the field isn’t as strong as the likes of Wentworth or the bigger tournaments,” said the 36-year-old.
“I haven’t really been totally sharp this year. We had a baby at the end of last year so we have two kids now and that can be tough with the travelling and all.
“I’m definitely disappointed not to have challenged as much this year, but I’ve secured my job on the European Tour for next year so at least I have that.
“It’s been a tough year with the two young one, but it should get easier and I’m feeling great now so hopefully the end of the year can be good. I’m hitting the ball well but I just need to hole a couple of putts.”
