Former US Open champion Martin Kaymer is hoping the familiarity that comes with a return to Pinehurst No.2 can spark something to re-ignite his game – even down to staying in the same hotel room.
The German trounced the field to win the 2014 US Open by eight shots around Pinehurst – but that remains his last tournament victory as his form has taken a nosedive since.
And the 10th anniversary of his victory means that this is the final year of his decade-long exemption that’s handed out to US Open champions after their victory.
So with Kaymer now playing in the LIV Golf League and struggling to gain world ranking points, it seems a longshot that he’d be able to get into the US Open again apart from going through the tough qualifying route.
Kaymer is one of 12 LIV Golf players taking part in the US Open, following Jon Rahm‘s withdrawal, and he is hoping that soaking in the memories of Pinehurst can bolster his chances.
So not only is Kaymer staying in the same hotel as 10 years ago, but he’s actually booked the very same room, in the hope of lightning striking twice.
“Obviously coming here with all those good memories, when I played today it felt like I left yesterday,” said Kaymer. “The golf course looks a little bit different than 10 years ago, but the feeling was very positive.
“I also made sure I stayed in the same hotel room that I stayed 10 years ago. I don’t know if it helps. It cannot hurt, I guess. I’m a little bit superstitious when it comes down to that.
“They made it really nice and renovated the place, and it’s a nice place.”
Kaymer hopes returning to Pinehurst can spark something in his game
(Image credit: Getty Images)
The German former World No.1 says that Pinehurst offers a similar test to 2014, but is tougher around the greens, where plenty of big scores will be found.
“It was very hard and very tight around the greens. It was fairly easy to use a Texas wedge back then. Right now it’s a little bit more tricky because the ball bounces a little bit more around the greens,” Kaymer added.
“I found it really hard the way the golf course played today, especially around the greens. To make up-and-downs it’s going to be a good challenge.”
Kaymer famously predicted that three or five over would likely be good enough to win the 2014 US Open before he smashed that…
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