Martin Kaymer ‘surprised’ at what he experienced during the first round of LIV Golf Houston

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Martin Kaymer has admitted his surprise at one thing he experienced during the first round of LIV Golf Houston on Friday.

The German is tied for the lead with his Cleeks GC teammate Adrian Meronk and American Caleb Surrat.

Staring on the 14th hole, Kaymer caught fire on the front nine, landing three birdies in a row before picking up shots on the 11th and 12th to end the day on seven under.

Other notable names in the top ten include Sergio Garcia, Joaquin Niemann, Patrick Reed and Ian Poulter.

Martin Kaymer shocked by the heat in Houston

• READ MORE: Everything you need to know ahead of LIV Golf Houston this weekend

Speaking to the media after his round, the German admitted that he was surprised at just how hot it was in Houston compared to other stops on LIV’s 2024 circuit.

With temperatures set to reach 35 degrees on Saturday, Kaymer said the first round conditions caught him by surprise.

“Usually, you don’t pay attention to it [the heat], but today it surprised me,” Kaymer explained.

“Also, yesterday in the pro-am, but going back a few weeks, we played in Singapore and Jeddah. Those are hot places. You just need to prepare a little bit differently; you know what you need to get into.”

The 2014 U.S. Open winner admitted that he won’t spend much time on the range in extreme heat like that experienced in Houston.

He added: “You shouldn’t spend too much time on the range after the round; rather, rest. We did well, but I think a few caddies struggled, so I hope we can get home safe and rest and be ready.”

Martin Kaymer couldn’t do it again at Pinehurst No.2, could he?

• READ MORE: How the USGA could set up Pinehurst for next week’s U.S. Open

Kaymer produced one of the all-time great U.S. Open performances at Pinehurst No.2 back in 2014.

The 39-year-old’s nine under through 72 holes is the best-ever performance in the U.S. Open at the North Carolina course and eight shots better than the next-best four-round score at Pinehurst.

What he did at the testing U.S. Open venue was beyond remarkable – and his first round in Houston will certainly have people making suggestions over a repeat performance ten years on from his last victory.

Irrespective of views on LIV Golf, it’s good to see Kaymer playing some good golf again. During his prime, the German performed at an elite level and was easily among the world’s best.

Let’s see if he can roll back the years next week.