Sun City – Martin Kaymer says fellow German golfer Bernhard Langer played a major role in his Nedbank Golf Challenge victory at the Gary Player Country Club on Sunday.
Kaymer's two-shot victory at Sun City was his first since the HSBC Champions in Shanghai in November 2011, and having been ranked the world's No 1 golfer early that year, Kaymer says he is trying to reignite a career that has seen him sink to 32nd in the global ratings list.
“Bernhard has always been a very big help, even at the Ryder Cup, he gave me advice which I could use for regular tournaments like this too,” Kaymer said following his victory.
Langer claimed the first half of the German double at Sun City when he won the Champions Challenge for senior golfers on Saturday.
Kaymer followed Langer as only the second German to be ranked number one in the world and the Ryder Cup hero admitted his countryman had been an inspiration.
“Everyone was talking about a German double, so there was a bit more pressure on me,” Kaymer said.
“But I'm very proud to have my name on that path at the ninth green and to be part of the special circle of winners.”
Kaymer, meanwhile, said he considered 2012 to be a success because of the progress he had made in changing his swing and shot selection.
“I've won once in 2012 and it was a very good year for me because I made progress with my swing,” he said.
“In golf you need a lot of patience and it's just a matter of sticking to your plan. I have another 20 years ahead of me, maybe even 30 if you look at Bernhard.”
Kaymer's winning score of eight-under-par 280 was the highest in the NGC since Jim Furyk's 282 in 2005 and the German was pleased with the way he played throughout the four-day event.
“I am hitting the ball well and I'm very happy with the way that I'm playing.”
Kaymer will return to action in Abu Dhabi on January 17. – Sapa