Martin Kaymer once again managed a stronger position than Graeme McDowell in the second round of the Dubai World Championship, being held at the Jumeirah Golf Estate.
The German vaulted his chances of victory, but with unimpressive scores. Kaymer picked up four birdies against two bogeys when he was expected to perform better than the previous round. The 25-year-old racked up
67 as an opening, owing to the long pars and doglegged fairways of 7, 675 yards course. He faltered with a bizarre performance and hardly managed the score of the second round. The veteran gave an impression as that of a freshman on the course and slipped
to 4th place after scoring 3rd in the first round.
On the other hand, his closest competitor and friend, Graeme McDowell could not do better either. The US Open Champion helped three birdies on the front, but returned the points on the closing. This gave a huge
blow to his morale and the veteran walked the 18th green with four bogeys in the bag.
The Irishman has been a victim of fatigue. He has been on foot for five-consecutive weeks ever since the Ryder Cup saga. Mental fatigue has forced the player to take the back seat in the current event and he realises the situation,
similar to his experience in the Wales Open.
Commenting on his game and performance G-Mac said, "I was just very quick to lose patience with myself. I do not think I have a huge amount in the tank and I am finding it tough to scramble. There are enough good shots in there
to give myself a chance, but I am getting frustrated very quickly.”
The change in Graeme’s swings and temperament was observed by his caddie, Ken Comboy, and friend Martin Kaymer. The leader of the Race to Dubai told the press that G-Mac was tired, as he had not taken off from the tour. Kaymer
took a week off before the big event and that was the reason behind his good game.
Graeme admitted that Kaymer was right. He said, "I had three three-putts yesterday and from the middle of the eighth fairway with an eight-iron I missed the green and then did the same on the ninth. Just simple, stupid mistakes
- the sign of a man whose head is not very sharp, but I'm going to give it 100% - everything I have left - and it's not over. Two 65s are not out of the question.”
The Irishman is correct, but he needs a lot of determination to score like that. In June, Graeme suffered from similar problems at the Wales Open, but despite all the odds, the veteran turned a six-stroke deficit into a three-stroke
victory win with rounds of 64 and 63.
The three-time winner of the European tour bided on the title of Europe's top golfer, but his claim is heading towards a tragic ending. He has dropped from 25th to 42nd place in two days and
only a top three finish can save him from a disappointment.
The Irishman wants to dethrone the reigning World No.1 Lee Westwood and with the type of performance delivered by the Englishman, it will be very difficult. Westy is picking up pace: he made a 69 in the first round
and 67 in the second. Chances are that he will improve his position in the next two rounds and will perk up to the top.
The Dubai World Championship has stepped into the weekend with Ross Fisher and Ian Poulter in the lead. Martin Kaymer is showing a downwards graph, whereas, Graeme McDowell is heading towards a decline. Chances
are that none of the two will win the title this year, especially G-Mac.
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