Kaymer completes dream year by finishing as Europe’s top man
GERMANY’S Martin Kaymer has become the European Tour’s youngest No1 since Ronan Rafferty 21 years ago, securing top spot in the money list during his final round at the Dubai World Championship.
Kaymer’s closest rival, his Ryder Cup teammate Graeme McDowell, applied some late pressure with a final round 68, but missed out on the top three finish he required to usurp the US PGA champion.
Kaymer said: “Last year gave me the belief that I could win the Race to Dubai. I didn’t expect to win a major but I did that. A lot of things have happened in this my fifth year on the tour and I think it will take a few weeks to realise what has happened.”
The tournament itself was won by Sweden’s Robert Karlsson, who edged out England’s Ian Poulter in a dramatic play-off. Poulter was docked a shot on the second extra hole after he dropped his ball on his marker, leaving Karlsson to win it.