Former world No. 1, and two-time major winner, Martin Kaymer, said he was inspired by the recent wins of Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth, who each ended long winning droughts.
The 36-year old German would love to follow in their footsteps this week at the British Masters, particularly at such an iconic course as The Belfry.
Although, his winless streak – now nearly seven full years – makes Spieth’s look mild and McIlroy’s like a blip, the German said it would be “nice” to hear how they overcame their respective droughts.
“I think it’s always interesting,” said Kaymer when asked if he’d listen to their advice.
“It would be nice to talk to them, but in a really honest way – what they have been through, what did it take, was it a mental thing, a technical thing, expectations, whatever it was.
“You always need to respect guys who have huge expectations and can’t live up to them every single time they play, which is very normal.
“To then come back in their way, not stressing about others, it’s interesting to see and understand how they got there – everybody can learn from that, not just as a golfer.”
Kaymer does appear to be trending in the right direction, posting four top-5 finishes in his last 13 starts – three of which were top-3s.
The 36-year-old says he’s learned from those close finishes and hopes the experiences help him return to the winner’s circle.
“You always reflect if you win or lose,” said Kaymer, who made it to world No. 1 at just 26. “I always reflect on why it happened in both cases.
“Last year I had a couple of mistakes on the 17th hole – the tee shot was a mistake, or a mis-shot. Then not making the up-and-down from just off the green was another hiccup. Other than that I played a really good tournament, so I need to focus on those things.
“Valderrama the week after was very similar, just the last few holes where I didn’t convert the chances I had.
“Then three weeks ago in Austria, very similar. I had a fairly poor start and fought back, I need to focus on those things, that I fought back or had a good start.
“It’s a weird thing in golf but patience is huge. I’m not stressing too much, I’ll just wait until it happens. I’ve waited since I’ve won, so I can wait until it happens again.”
Kaymer posits that a win would be the first step on a journey back to prominence.
“Since corona happened, I’ve spent a lot of time at home and think about what I really want to achieve in my career,” he said.
“They are big goals: Ryder Cup teams I’d like to make, put myself in Major Championships and having a chance to win on Sundays, winning on iconic courses like this week here.
“There are goals I’d like to achieve in my career and that keeps you motivated. I know I can do it. I know I’m good enough.
“I’ve proved it to myself and patience is just something I think you need to learn as a professional golfer.
“I have needed a lot of patience over the last few years and I actually enjoy it – it’s a good challenge to have.”
