Reigning U.S. Open Martin Kaymer spoilt a victorious return home and also ended a near two-year successful Tour run in easily missing the halfway cut in the BMW International Open near Cologne.
Kaymer recorded rounds of 71 and 73 for a shock even par tally and four shots shy of the halfway cut, and in a first event since his convincing eight-shot success at Pinehurst No. 2.
The German, who grew-up in nearby Dusseldorf, left near record crowds deflated he walked from the Gut Larcenhof course 12 shots from the leading foursome of England’s Danny Willett (68), Argentina’s Emiliano Grillo (66) and the Spanish duo of Pablo Larrazabal (63) and Rafa Cabrera-Bello (68) who share a two shot lead on 12-under par.
Martin Kaymer was always going to miss the halfway cut before storm clouds gathered in Cologne. (Photo – David Lloyd/www.golffile.ie)
It is the first occasion since the Portugal Masters in October 2012 and a run of 28 Tour events Kaymer has missed the halfway cut in a European Tour stroke play event.
Kaymer’s second round was a mix of four birdies, three bogeys in succession from the 10th hole and a fifth hole double bogey, and after taking 31 putts on day one, he had 35 putts on day two.
“It was a very difficult two days where I just struggled on the golf course and this week has been a big step for me to accept that there is golf courses that don’t suite your play, that don’t suit eye,” he said.
“I also struggled a lot on the greens but that is okay for me as I tried my very best.
“I know the fans are very disappointed because their expectations are high and for but then mine were not very high as I like golf courses where have to scramble and where one or two under par each day is a good score.
“So while this golf course is not my favourite I still came here and tried my hardest.
“And even though some people might draw negatives out of this week I am happy with my game as I have two very big tournaments in recent weeks so I am not going to dwell on negatives.
“You have to just appreciate in golf you lose more than you win”.
There had been an 87-minute delay late in the afternoon due to an electrical storm and with four players electing not to return, and under new European Tour rules they were disqualified.
