Kaymer King of the Castle

Martin Kaymer has been named The Race to Dubai European Tour Golfer of the Month for June after becoming the fourth European golfer in the last five years to capture the US Open Championship, following in the footsteps of Ryder Cup team-mates Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose. Kaymer, who receives an engraved alms dish and a Jeroboam of Moët & Chandon champagne, launched his challenge on Pinehurst No. 2 with back to back rounds of 65, before following a third round of 72 with a closing 69 to claim an eight shot win and become only the sixth player in US Open history to lead outright in every round.The 29 year old German, winner of the US PGA Championship in 2010, has now amassed 20 wins worldwide, following his success in The Players Championship in May, and is targeting victory in The Open Championship in two weeks’ time in addition to a third successive appearance for Europe against the United States in The Ryder Cup in September. Kaymer said: “It’s obviously great to win this award again, although I would’ve been a little surprised if I hadn’t won – it would be strange to win a Major and not be named the Golfer of the Month! “It’s always nice for people to recognise your success and your hard work. I’m just moving into my new apartment in Düsseldorf and I have a big wall with lots of shelves to put my trophies on, so I’m sure I can find a very nice spot for this award.” The European Tour Golfer of the Month Panel, comprising members of the Association of Golf Writers as well as commentators from television and radio, focused their attention on winning and exceptional performances on The European Tour International Schedule – Sweden’s Mikael Lundberg (Lyoness Open powered by Greenfinity), Finland’s Mikko Ilonen (Irish Open) and Paraguay’s Fabrizio Zanotti (BMW International Open) were all winners in June – with consideration also given to performances worldwide, which in June included England’s Justin Rose capturing the Quicken Loans National on the US PGA Tour. Derek Lawrenson, Golf Correspondent of the Daily Mail and Chairman of the Association of Golf Writers, said: “This is one of those months where the enormity of one man’s achievement left no room for doubt as to whom should claim the prize. Certainly Mikael Lundberg, Mikko Ilonen, Fabrizio Zanotti and Justin Rose deserve acknowledgement for their stirring victories in Vienna, Cork, Cologne and Washington respectively, but Martin Kaymer’s stunning triumph at the US Open ranks among the finest performances by a European golfer of all time, let alone the month of June. While 155 players toiled around Pinehurst, the German plotted his way so skilfully around that majestic layout he played golf on another level. It was one of those performances when it felt a privilege simply to be a witness.” James Haddock, Golf Reporter for Sky Sports News, said: “Martin Kaymer’s imperious performance at Pinehurst, opening with a pair of 65s and demolishing the field in a Major before the weekend, was, as many people have already said, reminiscent of Tiger Woods in his prime and simply sensational to watch. This was a vintage display from tee to green. A class act.” Spain’s Miguel Ángel Jiménez (December), Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher (January), France’s Victor Dubuisson (February), Welshman Jamie Donaldson (March), France’s Alexander Levy (April), Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy (May) and Kaymer, along with the next five monthly winners, will all be considered for The 2014 Race to Dubai European Tour Golfer of the Year Award which was won in 2013 by Sweden’s Henrik Stenson following his victory in the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, which secured the Number One spot in The 2013 Race to Dubai.