Kaymer thankful to Langer

Last updated: 20th December 2012

Nedbank Golf Challenge champion Martin Kaymer admits his German compatriot Bernhard Langer played a key role in his victory.

Although he played an important part in Europe's Ryder Cup success in Chicago earlier this year, Kaymer has struggled on a personal level and his poor form has seen him drop from number one in the world to 32nd.

However, he can put all that behind him now after he overcame a late wobble at the Gary Player Country Club on Sunday to claim a two-shot victory, which ended his winless streak that stretched back to November 2011.

The 27-year-old, an outsider with bookmakers like Paddy Power before the event, says Langer, who won the Champions Challenge for senior golfers at Sun City on Saturday, has been very helpful.

"Bernhard has always been a very big help, even at the Ryder Cup, he gave me advice which I could use for regular tournaments like this too," Kaymer said.

He added: "Everyone was talking about a German double, so there was a bit more pressure on me.

"But I'm very proud to have my name on that path at the ninth green and to be part of the special circle of winners."

He may not have won many tournaments, or been backed by many people who like to bet on golf, but Kaymer feels 2012 will go down as a successful year due to the changes he made to his swing and shot selection.

"I've won once in 2012 and it was a very good year for me because I made progress with my swing," he said.

"In golf you need a lot of patience and it's just a matter of sticking to your plan. I have another 20 years ahead of me, maybe even 30 if you look at Bernhard."

He added: "I am hitting the ball well and I'm very happy with the way that I'm playing."