As the U.S. Open makes its much-anticipated return to Pinehurst No. 2 this week, it has me reflecting on Martin Kaymer’s domination in 2014 and just how strange his, in my opinion, Hall of Fame career has been 10 years later. From where he was at the time to today, where he hasn’t been a serious contender in years, is one of the strangest examples of career trajectories ever.
There have been young golfers like Ben Curtis or others who simply fluke into winning a major, but Kaymer’s career has been anything but typical. After reaching the pinnacle of the sport by becoming World Number One in 2011 at the age of 27 after winning the first of his two major championships, at the PGA Championship, Kaymer also won the Players Championship in 2014, essentially the fifth major along with the 2014 US Open and a WGC.
Kaymer’s form plummeted after 2014 at an age of 29, just as you would have expected him to dominate. Our research shows most golfers peak in their early 30s. Unlike many of his contemporaries who sustained prolonged periods of dominance, Kaymer’s greatness was all but done after this win.
2014 US Open
Kaymer led the tournament from start to finish, a wire-to-wire victory. He finished with a total score of 9 under par, eight strokes ahead of the runners-up, Rickie Fowler and Erik Compton. This dominant margin of victory was the fourth-largest in U.S. Open history at the time.
After researching many great golfers I cant’ say I have ever seen one peak as high as Kaymer did at the age of 24 to 26 years old and subsequently be all but irrelevant after 30 years old. It’s a career that will deserved to be studied in golf history. As Kaymer prepares for his return to Pinehurst, it has me reflecting on his Hall of Fame credentials, now that it appears he will never get back to greatness.
Winning multiple majors, along with a Players Championship, WGC, and holding the top world ranking when Tiger was still Tiger, are significant achievements that bolster his case. His ability to shine in golf’s most pressure-packed moments, particularly at Pinehurst, underscores his talent and resilience.
Competition
The Players Championship has been around for 50 years (1974), these are the golfers with at least 2 majors and 1 players championship.
Majors
Players Championship
Jack Nicklaus
18
3
Tiger Woods
15
2
Phil Mickelson
6
1
Lee Trevino
6
1
Rory McIlroy
4
1
Raymond Floyd
4
1
Nick Price
3
1
Scottie Scheffler
2
2
Martin Kaymer
2
1
Justin Thomas
2
1
Kaymer’s career, marked by fewer total wins and weeks highly ranked compared to some Hall of Famers, prompts debate. He won the big ones you want on your resume though. Davis Love and Fred Couple only one major for example. Other hall of famers like Mark O’Meara, Retief Goosen, or José María Olazábal won 2 majors as well, but never won a Players Championship.
The 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 is more than a return to a cherished venue for Kaymer; it is a full-circle moment that highlights his unique career path. As he steps onto the familiar fairways, golf fans will reminisce about his historic 2014 win and ponder his legacy. Whether or not he secures a spot in the Hall of Fame, Martin Kaymer’s journey through triumphs and trials remains a testament to the unpredictable and enthralling nature of professional golf.
Conclusion
In the end, Pinehurst No. 2 is where Kaymer’s career reached an apex, and his return symbolizes a chance for reflection on his greatest chapter. As someone who loves to wager on the sport, Kaymer is a golfer who wouldn’t shock me if he randomly won another major. Obviously, he has that kind of talent somewhere in him and he still isn’t even 40 years old yet, which is still prime for many golfers. With decent recent form in a couple of top 20 finishes on the LIV tour and a made cut at the PGA Championship I’ll have a little money on him this week given how truly dominant he was on this course a decade ago.
