Former champ Kaymer is hoping for a hot summer of form starting at Kiawah
It feels like barely any time has passed since Hideki Matsuyama was being crowned the new US Masters Champion at Augusta.
But in the game’s new fast-paced schedule, the second Major of the year is already upon us, as the top players reconvene for the US PGA Championship at Kiawah Island.
Moved from its traditional August date in 2019, this is only the second time that the tournament will be played in May, after it had to be switched back three months due to the Covid lockdown last year.
Back in 2010, Martin Kaymer got his hands on the Wanamaker Trophy as a 25-year-old when he saw off Bubba Watson in a play-off at Whistling Straits.
And even as a past winner, the German isn’t too worried about seeing the event shift in the calendar.
Instead, as the event returns to the South Carolina course where Rory Mcilroy won by eight shots in 2012, Kaymer believes it offers a great opportunity to have a hot summer of form.
“It was always the last Major of the year but it doesn’t make a difference now,” said the Ryder Cup star.
“I don’t think it changes the dynamic of the tournament, and certainly not for me.
“I’m happy to play Majors in a short spell of time. It’s great if you have good form as you can win a couple quickly.
“Now we have everything within two or three months, whereas before it was spread over five or six months.
“Last time I played there, when Rory
won, I played with Tiger, which is always a treat. I have good memories of that.
“And having a chance again to compete in a Major is fantastic.”
Kaymer’s PGA status gets him into the field, having missed the staging of the Masters in both November and April.
He has fallen to 87th in the world rankings and needs a strong run if he wants to give himself a chance of getting back into Europe’s Ryder Cup team.
And with the match taking place in September at the scene of his US PGA success, he has more reason than most to try to make that happen.
However, he is no higher than 30th in either qualifying list