Kaymer joins elite with Abu Dhabi win
BY Bruce Young | European PGA Tour | 2010 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship | Round Four | 25 Jan 2010
Germany’s Martin Kaymer has all but assured himself a place in the top ten of world golf by defeating a high class field to win the Abu Dhabi Championship in Abu Dhabi today.
The victory, given the strength of this week’s field, is expected to move him as high as 6th in the revised world rankings when they are announced late today. Five of the world’s top ten played in the event.
Kaymer birdied the final hole to edge ahead of Ian Poulter with Rory McIlroy one shot further back.
The leading trio had played together on the final day and when they reached the 72nd tee, Poulter and Kaymer were tied in the lead at 20 under par, one ahead of McIlroy and it would be the par five final hole that would settle the outcome.
Kaymer found the fairway while Poulter missed an ultimately that was the difference with Kaymer securing the all important birdie to snatch the title after what had been an epic battle.
It was the 25 year old’s second victory in the event having claimed his maiden European Tour victory in the event in 2008 a month or so after being named the 2007 European Tour Rookie of the Year. It was also his 5th European Tour win.
Shane Lowry finished alone in 4th position.
The highest placed Australasian was Richard Green, again performing well in the desert, with a 13th place finish.
36 hole leader, Rick Kulacz, finished 21st following two weeks after his 4th place finish in South Africa and further confirming his promise.
Geoff Ogilvy was disappointing when finishing 34th, Marcus Fraser was 49th and Brett Rumford 64th.
