It’s been ten years since Martin Kaymer’s historic U.S. Open win at Pinehurst No.2 – a performance like no other at the notoriously tricky North Carolina course.
Kaymer’s nine-under-par through 72 holes is the lowest score ever recorded in the U.S. Open at Pinehurst.
His 2014 display is made even more remarkable when considering how some of the world’s best have faired on No.2.
In 1999, Payne Stewart won the U.S. Open with a score of one under; in 2005, Michael Campbell was victorious at level par – and in 2014, Kaymer’s closest competitors were eight shots back on one under.
The German had the world in his hands, but, unfortunately, things haven’t gone to plan since his 2014 triumph.
Martin Kaymer can’t believe what’s happened to him in the past ten years
Speaking ahead of LIV Golf Houston this weekend, the German was asked about his 2014 victory.
Kaymer admitted it’s difficult to accept that he’s failed to win another tournament since.
He explained: “The last ten years, if you would have told me that I’m not going to win a tournament from 2014 to 2024, I would have thought you were crazy, but that is the reality. This is difficult for me to handle that I haven’t won since then, but this is the sport.”
Martin Kaymer will look back with regret
When at his best, there are very few players who can match the levels set by Kaymer.
Between 2010 and 2014, the German was at the peak of his powers and landed his first-ever major title thanks to a PGA Championship play-off win over Bubba Watson at Whistling Straights.
Now, after going winless for over ten years, the 39-year-old will no doubt look back on his career with a tinge of regret.
With only three PGA Tour wins, his performances in the U.S. could’ve been massively improved – and, after his LIV Golf switch, it’s hard to envisage the 2014 U.S. Open champion ever properly competing again.
Kaymer will be back at Pinehurst No.2 next week, hoping to relive what was one of the all-time great major championship performances.
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