SIDEBAR: World number one Kaymer stumbles again at Augusta National

By Peter Auf der Heyde Apr 7, 2011, 21:14 GMT

Augusta, Georgia - Martin Kaymer might be the best golfer in the world, but he simply struggles when playing at Augusta National Golf Club.

The German world number one is playing the Masters for the fourth time, but unless he puts together an incredible second round on Friday, he will miss the cut for the fourth straight time.

Kaymer, who won the final major of last year when he beat Bubba Watson in a play-off for the PGA in Whistling Straights, was candid about the reason for his disappointing 6-over par 78 in Thursday's opening round.

'I don't really know how to play this golf course,' he said. 'I can think about it for another hour or an hour and a half or two hours, but I just can't find a solution.'

Kaymer said he was hoping to pick up a few tips from the only other German to have topped the golf rankings, Bernhard Langer: 'I will sit down with him and ask him. He won here twice, and I think I can only get good advice from him.'

Kaymer played six bogeys and a double-bogey and carded just two birdies during his 18 holes.

'It was very difficult. Every day I've played on this course has been difficult,' he said.

'I am disappointed, of course, but there are some golf courses that suit you, and some that don't. Obviously it is frustrating if you never play well. That is normal - it does not matter what course it is. It is just a pity that it is such a huge tournament, and if you never really play well it is frustrating.'

After crashing out at his first three attempts at the Masters, Kaymer came into this tournament on the back of a long holiday: 'Maybe next year I will try something different, and maybe one day it will work out. ... To be here is like a dream for any golfer, but that makes it even more frustrating.'

Even though he has never played a sub-70 round at Augusta, he has not yet dismissed his chances of making the cut.

'I have to come right some time,' Kaymer said, 'and sometime I will play well here, maybe this year, maybe next year.'

Unless it is this year, Kaymer could well lose his number one ranking, as a number of players could overtake him with a good showing in Augusta.

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