Kaymer laments capitulation
Martin Kaymer blew a three stroke lead during the final round of the Italian Open on Sunday.
The German stepped onto the tenth tee at Golf Club Milano with a comfortable three shot buffer over the rest of the field.
However, the former world number one would bogey the tenth, 13th and 14th to fall one stroke behind before a birdie four at the 16th would earn him a place in a playoff with then world number 247, Rikard Kalberg.
A sensational approach shot on the second playoff hole would put the Swede within ten feet of the pin and after Kaymer missed his 15 foot birdie attampt, Kalberg rolled in a birdie to secure his maiden European Tour win.
"It was a disappointing finish to be honest," the two-time major winner told golf-monthly.co.uk.
"We made too many mistakes on the back nine. There were two or three tactical and clubbing mistakes.
"That happens sometimes but it shouldn’t have happened in that situation today because you need all the help you can get. We should have been more focused. I played well all week but not on the back nine today and that has cost me the tournament."
While Kaymer was disappointed with himself, he heaped praise on Kalberg for his watershed victory.
"You have to say well done to Rikard," added the 30-year-old.
"He made a great birdie to win after I had my chance in the first playoff hole. I had a good yardage to the flag but I didn’t really release the club and give myself a good chance for birdie.
"But I don't want to take anything away from his win…he played a great final round then made a birdie to win the playoff so he deserved it."
The victory saw Kalberg move up to 133 in the world rankings, while Kaymer improved to 20th from 22nd.
Latest
-
NewsGolfers warned of further sanctions if they continue to play in LIV breakaway
The DP World Tour has issued fines of £100,000 and tournament bans to its members who played in the inaugural LIV Golf event earlier this month
-
European TourDP World Tour hits members who played inaugural LIV series with £100,000 fines
They have also been banned from several forthcoming tournaments including the Scottish Open.
-
NewsRory McIlroy not impressed as Brooks Koepka becomes latest big name to join LIV
The world number two labelled the players who have joined the new series as “duplicitous” for the way they have handled their breakaway.
-
The OpenR&A confirms LIV Golf Series players will be allowed to compete at Open
The 150th Open Championship will get underway at St Andrews in three weeks’ time.
-
US OpenMatt Fitzpatrick turns to other major winners for advice on dealing with fame
Fitzpatrick won the US Open on Sunday.
-
NewsBrooks Koepka set to join Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series
Koepka’s brother Chase played in the opening event at Centurion Club earlier this month.
-
US OpenGary Player urges Matt Fitzpatrick to avoid ‘poison’ of modern-day coaching
Player tells US Open champion Fitzpatrick to learn from mistakes of recent major winners, saying: “The teaching today is the worst it has ever been.”
-
US OpenMatt Fitzpatrick’s caddie Billy Foster ready for ‘long party’ after US Open win
Foster won his first major after a 40-year career which includes spells working for the likes of Seve Ballesteros, Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke.
-
US OpenMatt Fitzpatrick backed to become a dominant force after winning first major
The Englishman claimed his first major title at Brookline.
-
US OpenMatt Fitzpatrick: A Blade with plenty of support who can really cut it
The Sheffield golfer landed his first major – and first professional win in America – at Brookline on Sunday.