In the final part of our series in the build-up to the Masters Tournament next week, we turn the focus on World Number One Martin Kaymer...
Martin Kaymer is well used to following in the footsteps of Bernhard Langer so it will come as no surprise as to the next stage of that journey the 26 year old wants to take next Sunday; namely into the Butler Cabin to be crowned Masters Tournament champion.
Herr Langer made the trip twice – in 1985 and 1993 – and given the phenomenal rise of his younger compatriot, it would be no surprise to see the Green Jacket placed over the shoulders of a second German golfer in a week’s time.
Kaymer’s ascent to the very top of the professional game has been nothing short of extraordinary. Having come through the Challenge Tour in 2006, he subsequently rose through The European Tour to be crowned the winner of The Race to Dubai in 2010, a season during which he captured four titles including his first Major – the US PGA Championship at Whistling Straits.
A ninth European Tour triumph in Abu Dhabi in January was followed by a runner-up finish to Luke Donald in the WGC-Accenture Match Play, a performance good enough for the German to overtake Lee Westwood at the summit of the Official World Golf Ranking.
It was Langer, of course, who topped the very first World Ranking issued in 1986, and Kaymer admitted that having the experience of winning a Major Championship already in his mental locker, could be vital in his quest to follow the former Ryder Cup Captain into Augusta folklore.
“I do think there is something to be said about having won a Major before and the confidence that brings,” said Kaymer. “I know the feelings I’ll have coming down the stretch and I like them. I actually think it is a huge advantage since winning Majors is a lot about making as few mistakes as possible as well as making as many birdies.
“It’s difficult to say how I’d feel if I did win the Masters because it is such an iconic tournament. It’s something about all of us dream about and it would be very, very special, for many reasons.”
The German has made some adjustments to his game to help him cope with the demands of Augusta National, not least trying to factor a draw into a swing that naturally defaults to a fade.
His impressive work ethic will ensure this succeeds leaving his only disappointment being that a thumb injury has ruled Langer out of competing in Georgia. However the two have spoken and Langer will undoubtedly be glued to the television pictures of his fellow countryman’s progress.
“He just said he was very proud of how I’ve kept everything together, that I have a good family and good people around me who keep everything in the line,” said Kaymer. “I don't lose the ground underneath my feet and he said that that was the most important thing and that I do it very well. It was a nice chat.”
It is fair to say that should young Kaymer come up with the goods next week, Herr Langer will be on the phone once again.
