Kaymer admits he was left as awestruck as anyone by the manner of McIlroy's victory at Congressional as he romped to an eight-shot victory.

His European Ryder Cup colleague starts this week as the bookies' favourite to collect his second Major in a row as a result of his win and the German knows he has to work hard to reach a similar level, but he is hopeful of being in contention in his fourth Open appearance.

The US PGA champion said: "I was watching the back nine when Rory played (his last round at Congressional) and the way he played made me feel like I need to practice more.

"I need to go back to the driving range. I need to hit more balls, need to become a better player because he played that golf course in almost a perfect way. It motivates and inspires you."

Kaymer, 26, has enlisted the help of compatriot Bernhard Langer to help him prepare for the test that awaits him at Royal St George's.

Langer finished second at the Kent course in 1981 and joint-third in 1985 and knows better than most the pitfalls that need to be avoided in order to enjoy a successful week.

The world number three added: "He talked a little bit about his finishes here ... and then we talked about the golf course, what has changed and obviously about the upcoming weeks.

"Of course, Bernhard was and still is a big inspiration.

"The good thing about the British Open is you don't have to play beautiful golf - you just have to score well.

"The British Open is so different than all the other tournaments and that makes it very special and new."