Kaymer knows a thing or 'three' about Abu Dhabi

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Kaymer knows a thing or three about Abu Dhabi
Martin Kaymer of Germany tees off on the 12th hole during the first round in Abu Dhabi. (Reuters)

Dubai - Kaymer is lurking just two shots behind Stenson on six-under 66

By James Jose

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Published: Thu 19 Jan 2017, 9:56 PM

Last updated: Thu 19 Jan 2017, 11:59 PM

Henrik Stenson may be on a roll, so to say, the freshly-minted Race to Dubai champion once again, and on top of the leaderboard of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship on Thursday.
But even as the Swede laid down the early marker for what could perhaps complete the 'Desert Swing' trophy collection, there is a German, who knows a thing or two, or even three, about how it needs to be done in Abu Dhabi.
Martin Kaymer has won the Falcon Trophy a record three times - in 2008, 2010 and 2011, the only golfer to do so. And the 2008 win holds special memories as it was his maiden victory on the European Tour.
It was a dream period for Kaymer, who later went on to win the PGA Championship in 2010 as well as the US Open in 2014.
Since that win at Pinehurst though, things have tapered off a bit for Kaymer. But then a return to familiar environs, to his favourite hunting ground no doubt, could see the return of the German.
Kayamer sunk eight birdies, the same as leader Stenson, but two bogeys on the par-4 14th and par-5 second meant that the German had to settle for tied second with three others.
Nonetheless, Kaymer is lurking just two shots behind Stenson on six-under 66, raising the prospect of an intriguing three rounds still left to play out.
And Kaymer was pleased with the start. "It was a very nice start," Kaymer said after his round on Thursday.
"You never know what you're going to get the first tournament after such a long break, especially if you only practised a little bit. Your expectations are high, but you don't know how much you get out of your practice in your very first tournament," he added.
"I made a long putt on 10 and that really started the round in a very positive way. I was standing on the seventh tee box and I said to myself, you know, it would be nice to get to four, so maybe if I can pick up one more birdie, managed three birdies," he elaborated.
The National Course at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club suits Kaymer's eye more than most and he said as much.
"Some golf courses, you need to work, you need to work to shoot 4- or 5-under par. The golf course for me doesn't feel like I need to do a lot of special things in order to play well, because I usually putt well on those greens. It doesn't feel like a hard-working day. For me, sometimes, when you play golf courses, you shoot 2- or 3-under and you think, I should have shot 6- or 7-under," said the German.
james@khaleejtimes.com
"I just like a lot of the tee shots. They really suit my eye, and again, if you are making putts, that's always for us professionals very, very important to see the ball going into the hole," added the 32-year-old.
james@khaleejtimes.com
 


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