Glasgow-born caddy Craig Connelly was spot on with his prediction for new U.S. Open champion Martin Kaymer.
Connelly predicted after Kaymer captured last month’s Players Championship he would win a second tournament soon after.
Well the 29-year old German did just that running away to an eight-shot success at Pinehurst No. 2.
Connelly is savouring his seventh 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.
But then as Connelly added: “Then there was two Ryder Cup wins in 2010 and 2011.”
Craig Connelly spot on with his prediction Martin Kaymer would win quickly after his Players Championship success. (Photo – www.europeantour.com)
Career-wise it is Connelly’s 19th success.
A month ago 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).
Now he’s become the first European Continental to win the U.S. Open.
“Martin’s game was there in Houston and he was close 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,” said Connelly.
“And I said at the Players when Martin wins one, he’s the type of player that can win again pretty soon and he’d done that in brilliant fashion.
“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.
“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,” said the German.
“He will also compliment me when you’re done it well like this week.”
