Kaymer completes wire-to-wire win

bruced
June 16, 2014

Martin Kaymer won his second major title when he completed a dominant wire-to-wire victory at the US Open on Sunday.

The 2010 PGA Champion finished with a score of nine-under-par after a final round 69, which saw him finish a massive eight strokes ahead of his nearest challengers.

The former world number one had posted the lowest 36-hole score ever at the US Open after carding back-to-back 65s in the first two rounds, and his final score of 271 was the second-lowest total in the tournament’s history after Rory McIlroy’s 268 three years ago.

His victory margin was also tied for the fourth biggest in US Open history along with McIlroy’s effort in 2011.

“It was probably the toughest day that I played golf,” Kaymer said in the clubhouse after his final round.

“I stayed aggressive and I played very brave. So I’m very proud of that.

“I’m very happy. It’s a very nice and very satisfying feeling.”

The German had a five-shot lead going into the final round and at no point didn’t anyone close the gap to him by more than one shot as Pinehurst’s number two course continued to bare its teeth.

“I didn’t make many mistakes,” Kaymer said.

“I played solid the first two days and that gave me a cushion for the weekend.
To play the weekend one-over at Pinehurst, that made me very happy.”

American players Rickie Fowler and Erik Compton both carded 72s on the final day to finish on one-under and were the only other players to break par over 72 holes at the tricky North Carolina venue.

“No one was catching Kaymer this week,” Compton admitted.

“We all were playing for second.

“For me to do this at such a high level is just as good a feeling as winning.

“I’m thrilled. It’s just a real special moment. It’s a career-opening thing for me, to put myself on the map and prove to the world I’m not just the guy with two heart transplants.”

Kaymer’s victory will see him rise from 28th to 11th and also tied him with Bernhard Langer – who won two Masters titles – as the only Germans to win two major titles.

“I’m sure it will make all Germany proud,” Kaymer said.

“We have almost a German grand slam. Only the British Open is missing.”

In fourth place on one over were Henrik Stenson (73) – who could have become the new world number one with a victory this week – as well as Australian Jason Day (68) and Americans Brooks Koepka (71), Keegan Bradley (67) and Dustin Johnson (73).

Tied for ninth place another stroke further behind on two-over were world number one Adam Scott (69), Brandt Snedeker (73) and Jimmy Walker 69.
Defending champion Justin Rose carded a final round 72 to finish in a tie for 12th place.