A tough battle was expected between Graeme McDowell and Martin Kaymer, but both the veterans disappointed on the first day of the Dubai World Championship at the Jumeirah Golf Estate.
The tournament kicked off on Thursday, the 25th of November in Dubai with a star-studded cast to mark the season’s end. The field comprised of the likes of Louis Oosthuizen, Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia,
Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson, Ian Poulter, Noh Seung-Yul, Graeme Mc Dowell, Martin Kaymer and many more.
Graeme McDowell teed off half an hour before his playing partner, Martin Kaymer. The reason behind this strategy was to avoid the tension between the two titans. Despite the early start, McDowell could not best
the talented German. The US Open Winner chose the back nine as his teeing ground, but failed to impress the audience. He parred the first hole, but crumbled to the ravines of the 11th and 12th hole. He missed two shots at the identical
par 4s and carved the first pair of bogeys. However, he countered them in no time and picked up two birdies to wrap the first half at par.
According to the player, Kaymer frustrated him a little because of his fine play. G-Mac said, “He kind of left me in the dust literally out there, so it's great to get away from him and the distraction tomorrow. In the morning,
there will be a little less grain on the greens and they will be a little less scuffed up. It should be a good chance to make some putts.”
The Irishman defined Kaymer as an ‘emotionless guy’ as he showed no nerves on the crucial day. However, Sky Sports captured Kaymer as being quite the opposite. In fact, Kaymer was so tense that his brow seemed wet most of the time.
The two veterans hardly shared any comments while on the course. The only moment when words did come out of G-Mac’s mouth was when Kaymer fired an eagle after the birdie in the front nine. G-Mac praised Kaymer
and said ‘well done’.
When asked about the cold attitude, G-Mac told the press, "We get along well, don't get me wrong. But I just wanted to focus on my game and he wanted to do the same.”
It was a crucial moment for the two players, who were seeking the biggest title in Europe. Martin Kaymer has won four titles in the current season so far, whereas, Graeme Mc Dowell has three victories including the US Open. Both
the Europeans were in the same team in the Ryder Cup and both occupy the top most spot in the ‘Race to Dubai’ rankings. According to the stats, anyone of the two is eligible for the bonus offered to the winner of the Championship. Last year, Lee Westwood won
the title along with the bonus and after a journey of 12 months, the Englishman surged to the top most rank in Golf.
A Similar result is being expected for these two, but the first round disappointed the golf fraternity: Kaymer earned 5-under-par, whereas, Mc Dowell made a par. None of the two performed like a champion. However, Kaymer managed
a considerably better play than his competitor and increased his chances of victory.
Robert Karlsson took the early lead by smashing a 65, whereas, Noh Seung-Yul took a seat behind by carding a 66 on the first day of the Dubai World Championship. Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia, and Charl Schwartzel took
a share in the fifth place crowding the top of the leader board.
The first round ended with Martin Kaymer in 3rd place and Graeme Mc Dowell in 25th. This certainly wasn’t the Clash of the Titans everyone was expecting.
Tags: