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Confident Kaymer chasing his elusive career dream

DUBAI - Martin Kaymer is intent on sealing a hat-trick of career ambitions at Sunday’s conclusion of the Race to Dubai tournament after a highly-fulfilling year.

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The German, 25, heads into this Thursday’s Dubai World Championship, the final event of the newly-revamped European Order of Merit – the Race to Dubai, having chosen to skip the Hong Kong Open last week.

Kaymer’s only rival for the prestigious accolade, Graeme McDowell, has since moved to within around £249,000 of top spot in his absence, but the Dusseldorf-born putter now hopes to put the cap on a tremendous 12 months after a much-needed mini-break.

“It’s probably the biggest week of my career so far as I have a chance to win the Order of Merit and become the best player in Europe,” the US PGA champion said.

“When I turned pro, I had three goals in my career – to win a major, to play in – and win – the Ryder Cup and to become the number one in Europe.

“So, two-thirds are done and – hopefully, this week – I can win the Race to Dubai and become the number one in Europe.

“Then, I’ll have done everything in one year, which would be fantastic. I’ll then need to set new goals.”

Such is the nature of the competition, Kaymer is all too aware that he merely needs to earn more than McDowell, or stay within reach of him, to emerge victorious. However, he was quick to banish any conservative thoughts of containment, adding: “I don’t need to win, but that’s my goal. I cannot rely on Graeme playing bad.

“He’s been playing great golf over the last few weeks, yet – if I play well this week and try to win the tournament – then I’ll win the Race to Dubai automatically.” The location of the season-ending showdown also provides a spur to Kaymer, who seemingly relishes playing in this part of the world.

“I fancy it,” he admitted.

“I always play well here; I won twice in Abu Dhabi, I’ve always played well in the Dubai Desert Classic and at the Emirates Golf Course.” Meanwhile, Kaymer has confirmed his commitment to the European Tour, thereby following in the footsteps of Rory McIlroy in shunning the lure of the US PGA equivalent.

“I made my decision last week, when I sat down with my manager and my family,” the Ryder Cup star added.

“We had a look at the schedule and both Tours don’t really fit for me next year, so I will stick to the European Tour and maybe play two or three more events in America.

“I’ll mainly play though in Europe. I’m not joining the US PGA Tour.”

alex@khaleejtimes.com