The name may not be familiar to many, but after a tremendous year, this strapping 25 year-old German has shot up the world golf rankings. Just behind Tiger Woods, Kaymer is hot at his heels, sitting at No.3 and honing in on that No.2 spot. But there’s a good chance he could even go one better after this weekend’s Dubai World Championship.
Turning professional in 2005, the German had a relatively quick ascent in the world of pro golf. Taking just few years to establish himself on the European Tour, in 2007 he won the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award, and followed it up in 2008 with three big wins. In that year he was ranked No.76 in the world, but in 2010, proving to be a formidable force on the European Tour, Kaymer is now the closest competitor to world No.1, Lee Westwood.
There’s no doubt, that 2010 has been Kaymer’s year. Two of his career goals – to win the Ryder Cup for Europe, and win a major – have been accomplished in just twelve months.
Kaymer’s phenomenal season kicked off in January, taking out the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. A series of solid performances helped him along, until the US Open Championship in June, where he managed to make the top ten in what was a difficult tournament for many. But it was in August that Kaymer really found winning form.
In that month he won the US PGA Championship at Whistling Straits, after a thrilling playoff against Dustin Johnson and Bubba Watson. He then followed it up with consecutive wins on the European Tour in the Netherlands and at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championships held at Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and the legendary St Andrews. These victories put him in excellent company, with the last person to win three consecutive tournaments on the European Tour, being no less than Tiger Woods.
Despite his win at Whistling Straits, his overall form in the US was nowhere near as good as on the European Tour. So it was no surprise that he announced his decision this week, to turn down his US Tour card for next year, preferring to commit to the European Tour instead.
His form in Europe has been so good in fact, that should he finish strongly this weekend in Dubai, Kaymer could achieve his third career goal – to become the No.1 player in Europe.
Though currently holding the No.1 spot, winning this weekend’s Dubai World Championships, is the only way to make sure he keeps it. To top the European Order of Merit, Kaymer has to edge out world No.9, Graeme McDowell, who sits just €290,000 back. It may sound like a decent lead, but in the world of professional golf €290,000 is but mere spare change!
Sitting in third place overnight, Kaymer is certainly making a play for it, and with McDowell struggling to make an even par 72, things are looking good for the German. However, there’s more at stake here than just becoming Europe’s No.1 player.
If Kaymer ties for fourth place with one or two other golfers, he would skip ahead of Tiger Woods in the world rankings and move to No.2.
Furthermore, Kaymer could reach that elusive world No. 1 spot should he come away as the winner or runner-up of the tournament (with Westwood finishing third place or lower). With his remarkable list of achievements this year, you certainly can’t rule it out.
Martin Kaymer. Remember the name. You just know we’ll be hearing more of this guy.
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