KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. – Martin Kaymer’s summer struggles continue.
In a marquee pairing with Tiger Woods and Keegan Bradley, Kaymer’s woes were more visible for the world to see in the first two rounds of the PGA Championship. The former world No. 1 shot a pair of 79s and missed the cut.
Kaymer, 27, also missed the cut in last month’s British Open. He has now missed three cuts in his last six starts.
“Mentally, it’s very, very tough,” said Kaymer, who won the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits two years ago. “It is sad and tough to handle, but it is the way it is. I have to fight through it.”
Kaymer reigned as No. 1 for eight weeks a little more than a year ago. He has slipped to No. 21.
Not quite comfortable with his game, Kaymer was under a tough test at Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course, playing in the spectacle that Woods brings and playing on a brutish Pete Dye design.
Kaymer was asked if that situation conspired to double the challenge of finding his best form again.
“I think it was great,” Kaymer said. “You can always learn something if you play with Tiger Woods. It was a very enjoyable two days.”
What did Kaymer learn? He said he was impressed with the way Woods managed his way around, with the way Woods controlled his ball flight in every wind direction.