The return of Martin Kaymer
Martin Kaymer, the man who sinked that fateful putt, which secured José Maria Olazábal’s Europe the greatest comeback in Ryder Cup history was recently made a vice-captain for Europe’s Ryder Cup team alongside Graeme McDowell, joining the already appointed Luke Donald and Robert Karlsson in Harrington's backroom staff at Whistling Straits. But on the course the picture has been rather different for Kaymer in recent times.
Since his last victory at the 2014 U.S. Open, Kaymer has looked on as no fewer than 149 different individuals have won on the European Tour. To say he dropped off the radar, for a former world number one, would be an understatement. However, recent form, his T-26 finish at the U.S. Open and a runner-up finish behind Viktor Hovland at the BMW International Open, have led many to believe a return of the silent assassin that we know and love on the course is a possibility, which can only be good for golf, and in particular the European Tour, with the Ryder Cup around the corner. More cuts means more access to the players. A feeling of being part of the camp. A feel for the context of the moment. And, could it even mean something else? A dual role?
Kaymer, 36, who has won the 2010 U.S PGA Championship and 2014 US Open says he still has ambitions of clinching a place in this year's team as a player: "Obviously before Padraig approached me I was trying to make the team as a player and I still do want to do that, but you feel honoured and it tells you a lot about what the captain and the whole team behind him think about you and how they value you."
“Kaymer is just warming up as the next chapter beckons. Don’t be surprised to see him playing at Whistling Straits. ”
With age comes wisdom and a moment for reflection when times are tough. Kaymer has certainly learnt to adapt his thinking, and looked for a different outlook on life, something he admitted before the BMW International Open: “My goal is more mid-term, long-term. I need to get back to the Top 50 in the World, Top 20 and eventually to the Top Ten, Top Five. I need to see it step by step. My main mission is now to play golf and work on the things I work on with my coach in the tournament without focusing so much on the result. I think that attitude takes the pressure away a little bit."
The possibilities here really are endless. This isn’t just any golfer. Kaymer is a special talent. Let’s not forget it! We could be looking at a rejuvenated and reinvigorated former World No1 and Major winner, still only 36, set for an attack on the tour’s greatest prizes; adding further depth and competition to the world of golf. This is why we love the game. The characters. The talent. The carousel of incredible individuals and the enchanting ebbs and flows of their careers are what keeps the game so watchable. Kaymer is just warming up as the next chapter beckons. Don’t be surprised to see him playing at Whistling Straits.
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