Glasgow caddy Craig Connelly predicts new Players Championship winner Martin Kaymer can muscle his way back to the top of the World Rankings.
There was sadness and joy for Connelly after returning to the course from a 90-minute storm delay and help steer the German through a rocky final four holes to victory in near darkness on the TPC Sawgrass course.
Connelly had been saddened by news ahead of the final round of the death of good friend and caddying colleague, Iain ‘Mac’ McGregor the Zimbabwean born caddy to fellow Scot Alastair Forsyth, who collapsed and died from a cardiac arrest on the final hole of the Madeira Islands Open.
In fact, McGregor was due to celebrate his 53rd birthday yesterday (MON).
Martin Kaymer and Glasgow caddy Craig Connelly as last year’s 2013 Open Championship and with Connelly believing the German can get back to World No. 1 (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)
Connelly said: “It was just a horrible way to start the day learning about ‘Mac’. He was a wonderful guy and one of the best but just a very, very sad day for all the European players and caddies here, as everyone knew ‘Mac’. He was just so popular”.
So there was no real celebration for Connelly in enjoying his sixth win with Kaymer – 2010 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, 2010 PGA Championship, 2010 KLM Open, 2010 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, 2012 Nedbank Challenge and 2014 Players.
Connelly added: “Then there was two Ryder Cup wins in 2010 and 2011.”
Career-wise it is Connelly’s 18th success earning him a 10% cut of Kaymer’s $US 1.8m prize cheque.
Kaymer became only the fourth European to win the PGA Tour’s flagship event after Scot Sandy Lyle became the first in 1988 followed by Sergio Garcia (2008) and Sweden’s Henrik Stenson (2009).
Connelly: “This latest win is a huge lift for Martin given he’s won the fifth biggest tournament you can win.
“His game was there in Houston and he was close last week in Charlotte so we both felt we were on the ascendancy, and we both felt it was just a matter of time before he would win again, and that’s why he’s now going onto the Texas for the Byron Nelson and then over to Wentworth for the PGA because when Martin wins one, he’s the type of player that can win again pretty soon.
“But then Martin worked pretty hard to get back to winning and you only have to look at his hands some days, as they can be in a state and there’s times I’ve seen his hands bleed from the amount of work he puts in.
“He’ll spend hours when not playing tournaments on the range at Whisper Rock in Phoenix, and then when he’s back home in Germany.
“And you look back two years ago when he was at the lowest he’s ever been, so to come back now and win this event is huge for him.
“What you saw out there this week was a new Martin Kaymer, as he’s a much improved golfer but then the mindset is very much the old Martin.”
Kaymer had singled out Connelly for praise earlier in the week and it was also opportune for Connelly to compliment Kaymer.
He said: “Martin is so easy going and we get on so well because he listens to my bullshit. He’s a straight shooter as well because he will give me a blast if I’m doing something wrong, as well.
“He will also compliment me when you’re done it well like this week.
“But Martin has the heart of a lion and never gives in, never gives in and doesn’t know the meaning of the word and hopefully this win will go on and lead to Martin playing in a third Ryder Cup in September and getting himself back to World No. 1
Kaymer jumped 33 spots on the World Rankings to 28th while he’s leap-frogged from 29th to ninth among the top-nine automatic qualifiers on the European Ryder Cup points table.
Kaymer said: “Once you play in a Ryder Cup you always want to be there. That’s the bottom line.
“And my experience that I had two years ago added a little bit more to it. I just don’t want to miss out on that tournament.
“Paul McGinley walked with me on Wednesday and we had a nice chat, and I think he will be a brilliant captain because as a person the way he talks to you, he’s a very respectful men, and he really listens to you and he wants to help.
“He’s not a selfish player and not a selfish captain. He wants us to feel as comfortable as possible, and hopefully I can make the team.
“It was a good start this week in getting into the team for me with this win but I just need to continue playing well to get more points on the rankings and get myself qualified to make the team.”
Stephen Gallacher’s disappointment in missing the Players cut has seen him drop three spots to 14th overall on the Ryder Cup points table.
