Amid high expectations on their return to home soil at the Danish Golf Championship, there is no denying that the upcoming Ryder Cup remains at the forefront of attention for Nicolai and Rasmus Højgaard.
With this the penultimate event before the European Ryder Cup qualification period ends at the Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo, there is an increased scrutiny on those battling to make their case to play in Captain Luke Donald’s European team at Bethpage.
Rasmus is the best placed of the two, sitting eighth in the rankings compared with 26th for his twin brother, having been among the top six who earn an automatic spot for much of the qualification period after victory at the Amgen Irish Open last September.
However, with the immediate end goal coming sharply into focus, the five-time DP World Tour winner is determined to strike the right balance between the inevitable pressure it brings and a relaxed mindset.
“I need to play some really good golf these next two weeks,” said Rasmus.
“That is where my focus is. If I play well, I am going to be in the conversation and if I don’t, I won’t be. It is what it is.
“I am looking forward to these two weeks and seeing if I can put together some nice results.”
While Rasmus is bidding to make the European team for the first time, Nicolai is aiming to do it for the second Ryder Cup in a row, after being part of a winning side on debut in Italy two years ago.
After a tough period on the PGA TOUR earlier in the year, Nicolai enjoyed a confidence-boosting double-header of results last month at the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open.
Ahead of his eighth consecutive appearance in the tournament, he is focusing on building on that momentum over the coming two weeks, with Donald’s six Captain’s Picks to be made on September 1, a day after the climax of the Omega European Masters.
“It would mean everything, especially after a semi tough season,” he said.
“I now feel like I am coming into some good form. You get goosebumps talking about the Ryder Cup.
“Being part of that team room before, I can only expect what it will be like in New York, and I would love to be a part of that.
“It would mean everything, especially after a semi tough season. I now feel like I am coming into some good form.
“You get goosebumps talking about the Ryder Cup. Being part of that team room, I can only expect what it will be like in New York, and I would love to be a part of that.”
Rasmus, who is the highest ranked played in the field this week, became the first Dane to win his national championship two years ago, when he defeated Nacho Elvira in a six-hole play-off.
With a number of other Danish favourites teeing it up, including Thorbjørn Olesen, Niklas Nørgaard and victorious 2018 Ryder Cup Captain Thomas Bjørn, there are high hopes that another home winner may emerge this week as the DP World Tour visits Furesø Golf Klub for the first time.
“It’s great. I have been looking forward to it,” added Rasmus. “I think it is nice that we are playing all around the country now.
“I am in a good mood for this week, and I am looking forward to see if I can get some small wins on the course and hopefully that leads to a big win.”
Two of the most exciting young talents in world golf, the Højgaards are hoping they can put on a show in front of the home crowds after once being the ones watching their heroes from outside the ropes.
“It was not that long ago that we were the kids looking up to some of the other Danish players so if I can put a little smile on their faces I am happy,” said Rasmus.
Nicolai said: “The feeling of doing something good and giving back to the juniors, which we were not many years ago, is a very nice feeling. It is as nice as playing good golf, if not better.”
