Kaymer back into his old routine

Joy Chakravarty 01:01 21/01/2017
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  • Martin Kaymer got back into his old routine over the winter break, and it paid rich dividends early in the year with the German looking every bit the player who won the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship three times in the past.

    Kaymer, after winning the 2014 US Open, decided to forego his winter schedule of rigorous practice in Arizona for the past two years, and it showed in his early season results in the Desert Swing.

    In 2015, he led the tournament by 10 shots halfway through Sunday’s final round, but had a shocking back nine to lose to Gary Stal. And last year, the three-time winner of the Falcon Trophy (2008, 2010 and 2011) was tied 16th.

    “It was important for me to practice the way I used to in the past. I didn’t feel good coming to Abu Dhabi the last couple of years. I know I can play this golf course well and I did play it well in 2015 until the back nine,” said Kaymer.

    “But mentally, I felt guilty not doing what I am supposed to do in the winter time. I have done it every year since 2005. Obviously, you don’t have much of a life in the break then, but at least I am happy with my performances. And golf is my life. So, I thought I needed to get back to that.”

    Despite his preparation, Kaymer was delighted to get back into the groove so quickly. And he drew some motivation from 14-time major champion Tiger Woods in that regard.

    “After a break, to come back and play, it is more a mental challenge than a golfing challenge. You have done good quality work and it worked in practice, but you have got to find a way to make it work in tournament,” he added.

    “And that’s one of the reasons I thought what Tiger Woods did, after such a long break, playing very good golf in my eyes, it’s very tough. It’s very tough and people underestimate the long break for a golfer because we are so fragile sometimes.”

    Kaymer shot a second successive six-under par 66 to lead the tournament by one shot over Spain’s Rafael Cabrera-Bello. Three players – England’s Tommy Fleetwood (67), Ireland’s Paul Dunne (66) and Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat (68) – were tied for third place at 10-under par.

    Overnight leader Henrik Stenson shot a one-under par 71 to be tied sixth at nine-under par, while defending champion Rickie Fowler, as well as world No3 Dustin Johnson, shot 68 each to ensure playing privilege over the weekend.

    Kaymer, who made an eagle and six birdies in his round, said he would just try and enjoy the golf course as he bids to win his fourth Abu Dhabi title.

    “It’s been a fine line for me on this golf course. I have had some great experiences here, and I have also missed cut and had some very bad experiences,” he added.

    “We all know anything can happen on this golf course, especially when it involves me. I don’t like to judge the past. It is healthy if you look at the past and reflect on it, but you should never judge it.

    “So, I do not come here thinking it is a walk in the park. Yes, I do play well here, but I still force myself to see every day as a new day here. I just try to come in and enjoy the place.”

    Dubai-based amateur Rayhan Thomas gave an excellent account of himself but three late bogeys marred what was turning out to be another solid round. He finished on 75 and missed the cut by three.

    “I enjoyed myself and I learned a lot, but I am also very disappointed at the moment. I thought I played solid over the front nine, but hit a few loose shots coming in,” said the 17-year-old.

    “I will sit with my coach and parents and analyse the week. There are some good things and there are some things that I need to work on before I play the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.”

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