Kaymer wins in Abu Dhabi

Germany’s Martin Kaymer won the Abu Dhabi Championships for the second time in three years, when he beat England’s Ian Poulter by a stroke. Level with Poulter on the final tee, the 25-year-old hit two terrific strokes on to the back of the green, and two putted for a birdie, while Poulter could only manage a par after a wayward drive. Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy was third a shot further behind.

It was a good week for the European Ryder Cup team, as all three will be hoping to make Monty’s team in October. “My goals have always been to win twice every year on the European Tour,” said Kaymer, “and I’ve managed that in 2008 and 2009. But this year, my main aim is to make the team for Celtic Manor. I was at Valhalla two years ago as a spectator, but I learnt so much that I know I need to be there this time as a player. Winning used to be very difficult, but it is getting easier as my self confidence increases.”

Golf World columnist Ian Poulter was frustrated, after finishing a shot behind, but still moves into the world’s top-10, after this performance. And for Rory McIlroy, his third place finish was his 8th top-10 performance in his last nine events.

In America, torrential rain at the end of last week has meant that the Bob Hope Classic will finish on a Monday. At the time of writing, Americans Alex Prugh and big-hitting Bubba Watson go into the final round on 23 under par, a shot clear of Bill Haas and the South African Tim Clark.  England’s Justin Rose and Scotland’s Martin Laird missed the cut, while the two Englishmen, Greg Owen and Brian Davis, just made the cut, right on the mark.