Kaymer Seven Back in Return to Competition


In the first tournament since his dominant eight-stroke victory in the U.S. Open at Pinehurst two weeks ago, Martin Kaymer found the going reasonably tough in the first round of the BMW International Open. The European Tour event started Thursday in Kaymer's home country of Germany, at Golf Club Gut Larchenhof in Cologne.

The 29-year-old started off well, with birdies in his first three holes. But from there he tacked on two bogeys, a double on the par-3 16th and two more birdies for a 1-under 71.

Heading into Friday Kaymer faces a seven-shot deficit to 18-hole co-leaders, Spain's Rafa Cabrera-Bello and England's Danny Willett, who each carded 64s. Willett won the event two years ago.

Kaymer was disappointed with his round but wasn't surprised because of his recent schedule and since he's the star attraction on a course near his hometown, but where he's never experienced much success.

"There are expectations from so many people who come out and expect you to play well, at least as well as two weeks ago. That's how Germans are," he told reporters. "But you have to lower your expectations. I had very long weeks the last two months.

"It's very difficult to keep your energy level up. It's nice to play here, but it's also quite exhausting because there's so much to do."

Kaymer, the 2008 BMW winner, admitted he's not thrilled with the layout, saying it is "not my favorite golf course in the world. I struggle to see a lot of shots," he added.

Two behind the leaders are Alvaro Quiros, Michael Hoey, Emiliano Grillo, Graeme Storm, Anders Hansen, Gary Stal and Andy Sullivan.

Defending champion Ernie Els isn't entered this week, opting instead to play in the PGA Tour's Quicken Loans National at Congressional Country Club.

For all the scores, visit http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2014/tournamentid=2014050/leaderboard/index.html.