GERCaptain of Cleeks GC, Martin Kaymer became only the second German - after Bernhard Langer - to hold the world No. 1 spot when he topped the rankings in April 2011. The winner of 23 tournaments, he notably beat fellow LIV Golf member Bubba Watson in a three-hole playoff in 2010 to become his country’s first winner of the PGA Championship. Kaymer famously won the 2014 U.S. Open wire-to-wire, finishing eight strokes in front. Kaymer aslo represented Germany in 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and once shot a 13-under 59 in the second round of the 2006 Habsburg Classic , which he went on to win.
QUICK FACTS ...
Greatest influence on golfing career? My Dad
Golfer you most admire? Ernie Els. What a beautiful swing and motion
Number of holes-in-one? 3
If you could play any course in the world, it would be … Pine Valley
Golf achievement you’re most proud of? No. 1 in the world, Ryder Cup putt, Medinah
Round of golf you’ve enjoyed the most? Last round of 2014 U.S. Open
Your perfect golf shot? The one that finds the hole
If you could acquire one trait from another golfer, what would it be? Short game from Cam Smith
Most interesting thing about being a professional golfer? The different people we meet in the world
Stats
Winner of 23 tournaments worldwide, including two majors – the 2010 PGA Championship and 2014 U.S. Open.
In 2011, became the world’s No. 1 player, spending eight consecutive weeks at that spot.
Has spent 110 weeks inside the top 10.
Beat Bubba Watson in a 3-hole playoff in 2010 to become first German to win the PGA Championship.
Won the 2014 U.S. Open wire to wire, winning by eight strokes. Set tournament record by shooting consecutive 65s in first two rounds.
Rolled in decisive putt during his singles match at the 2012 Ryder Cup to help rally Europe to victory at Medinah.
Was a 20-year-old amateur when he won a professional event in his native Germany.
WINS (2)
2010 PGA Championship – Defeated Bubba Watson in a three-hole aggregate playoff at Whistling Straits ... Entered the final round 4 strokes off the lead but shot 2-under 70 to make the playoff ... Became the first German player to win the PGA Championship ... Said Kaymer: "The majors is the biggest tournaments that you can win in your career. I cannot win anything bigger. The majors, they are the biggest tournaments we play, and just knowing that I can win a tournament like that gives me huge confidence for any other tournament I will play for the rest of my career."
2014 U.S. Open – Led wire-to-wire in winning by 8 strokes at Pinehurst ... Opened with consecutive 5-under 65s to set a 36-hole scoring record (130) ... His 271 total was second-lowest in U.S. Open history ... Became the first player from continental Europe to win the U.S. Open ... Said Kaymer: "Any major would have been nice, after the PGA. You want to win majors in your career, but if you can win one more, it means so much more."
STARTS AND FINISHES
Masters
Starts: 12
Best finish: 16th (2017)
Top 10s: 0
Cuts made: 7
PGA Championship
Starts: 15
Best finish: Win (2010)
Top 10s: 3
Cuts made: 7
U.S. Open
Starts: 15
Best finish: Win (2014)
Top 10s: 2
Cuts made: 11
Open Championship
Starts: 12
Best finish: 7th (2010)
Top 10s: 1
Cuts made: 9
RYDER CUP HISTORY (Team Europe)
Appearances (4): 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016
Record (wins, losses, halves): 5-6-3
Total matches: 14
Singles (W-L-H): 3-1-0
Foursomes (W-L-H): 0-1-2
Four-balls (W-L-H): 2-4-1