Forgotten major champion hits back after withering putdown from PGA organisers questioned tournament status

Martin Kaymer was handed some extra motivation for the PGA Championship at Scottie Scheffler’s champion’s dinner.

The two-time major champion, who won the tournament back in 2010 when it was played at Whistling Straits, took his seat at the table alongside a host of former winners Tuesday.

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Representatives from the PGA of America were also present for the meal and one, it seems, hasn’t been keeping up with Kaymer’s LIV Golf exploits.

In fact, the individual wasn’t even sure if the German and three time Ryder Cup winner would be playing at Aronimink Golf Club this weekend, where a fellow star appeared to leak Chelsea’s new kit.

Martin Kaymer handed perfect PGA Championship motivation

“On Tuesday evening we had the champion’s dinner, and there was a gentleman sitting next to me from the PGA of America, and he asked me if I still play,” Kaymer told reporters after firing an opening round 67 to sit in a share of the lead.

“And I said, ‘What do you mean?’ He said, ‘Well, are you playing this week?’

“I said, ‘Yeah, that’s why I’m here. I’m not flying from Europe to here to have a New York strip with you guys, you know, of course I’m playing.’

“That really motivated me, it was a good start to the week.”

Not only is Kaymer playing, but he’s playing at a high level.

Martin Kaymer stuns in round one with share of PGA Championship lead

Ranked No. 1160 in the world coming into the tournament, Kaymer is part of a seven-way tie for the first round lead.

He managed four birdies, including a 16-foot closer at the par-5 ninth, and a bogey as part of a group of afternoon starters who avoided the tough morning conditions.

The fast start extends a run in which Kaymer’s game seems to be trending upward, following a few unconvincing finishes on the LIV circuit this year.

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As captain of Cleeks Golf Club, he finished T-31, T-25 and T-39 at events in South Africa, Mexico City and Virginia in the last two months.

Despite those results, the 41-year-old has belief in his game.

“I’ve been playing well the last two, three events out on LIV,” Kaymer said.

“I didn’t have good results, but I was playing well. And I knew I find more consistency.”

Martin Kaymer relishing challenge against golf’s best at Aronimink

Having slipped down the rankings in recent years, and lost his exemption for the US Open — which expired in 2024 following his victory in 2014 — Kaymer knows this weekend at Aronimink will be one of his last chances to play against the best in golf.

Being tied for the lead after one round is undoubtedly a promising sign.

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“Competing against the best guys in the world, you do that in majors,” Kaymer said.

“That is the ultimate. And winning the PGA in 2010 and the US Open, that is the ultimate feeling.

“No tournament — it doesn’t matter on what tour you can play — can keep up with that. So having the opportunity every year now for the few more years, that is great.”

Kaymer has missed the cut in 10 of his last 17 major appearances and didn’t feature at the Masters earlier this year.

However he has put himself in the mix for what would be a hugely surprising third major title, 12 years on from his second when he was victorious at the US Open in 2014.

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