Kaymer hangs on for memorable Players victory
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Martin Kaymer (pictured) joined an exclusive club after producing a breathtaking Players Championship victory at Sawgrass yesterday.
Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, Phil Mickelson – and now back-in-form German Kaymer – are the only other players to win a major, a World Golf Championship and The Players Championship.
Kaymer finished at 13-under 275, giving him a slender one-shot victory over Jim Furyk whose closed with a 66 but had to settle for second best for the second week running.
Kaymer had a one-shot lead. His tee shot cleared the water and landed on a mound just over the bunker, but it mysteriously spun hard back toward the front of the green and looked as if it might go into the water until it settled into the clumpy collar a foot from the bulkhead. His chip was weak, and he still had 30 feet down a ridge with a sharp swing to the right. He made the putt, pumping his fist in a rare show of emotion.
But Kaymer nearly blew a three-shot lead after a 90-minute rain delay and in the end had to rely on a huge slice of good fortune – and astonishingly sinking a 30ft par putt – at the famous island green 17th hole. He got up-and-down with his putter from short of the 18th green for one last par and a 1-under 71.
Jordan Spieth, tied with Kaymer going into the final round, made his first bogey of the tournament on the 5th hole, and plenty more followed. He closed with a 74.
Sergio Garcia made a strong run until he hit into the water on the par-5 11th and lost momentum by missing too many putts. He closed with a 70 to finish alone in third at 11 under.
What’s in Taylormade star Kaymer’s bag:
Driver: SLDR 460
Fairway: SLDR 3 wood 14 degree
Hybrid: SLDR 17 degree
Irons: Tour Preferred MC 14 3-9 & PW
Wedges: TP XFT ZTP 54 & 60 degree
Ball: Lethal
Shoe: adidas Gripmore
