Recently crowned US Open champion Martin Kaymer spoilt a victorious return home and also ended a near two-year successful Tour run as he missed the cut in the BMW International Open on Friday near Cologne.
Kaymer recorded rounds of 71 and 73 for a shock even par tally and four shots shy of the halfway cut,in his first event since a convincing eight-shot success at Pinehurst.
The German, who grew-up in nearby Dusseldorf, left near record crowds deflated he walked from the Gut Larcenhof course 12 shots from the leading foursome of England’s Danny Willett (68), Argentina’s Emiliano Grillo (66) and the Spanish duo of Pablo Larrazabal (63) and Rafa Cabrera-Bello (68) who share a two shot lead on 12-under par.
It is the first occasion since the Portugal Masters in October 2012 and a run of 28 Tour events Kaymer has missed the halfway cut in a European Tour stroke play event.
Kaymer’s second round was a mix of four birdies, and three bogeys in succession from the 10th hole and after taking 31 putts on day one, he had 35 putts on day two.
"It was a very difficult two days where I just struggled on the golf course and this week has been a big step for me to accept that there is golf courses that don’t suit your play, that don't suit your eye," he said.
"I also struggled a lot on the greens but that is okay for me as I tried my very best.
"I know the fans are very disappointed because their expectations are high but then mine were not very high as I like golf courses where I have to scramble and where one or two under par each day is a good score.
"So while this golf course is not my favourite I still came here and tried my hardest.
"And even though some people might draw negatives out of this week I am happy with my game as I have two very big tournaments in recent weeks so I am not going to dwell on negatives.
"You have to just appreciate in golf you lose more than you win".
Larrazabal posted the equal lowest round of the day joining England's Paul Waring in shooting a nine under par 63 as the Spaniard looks to become the first player to win the event in both Munich and Cologne.
"There is a no more trouble on this course than where I won in Munich," said Larrazabal.
"But with all the guys out there shooting low you just have to keep going and make as many birdies as you can.
"So it's all about continuing to play well and holing the birdie putts.
"I also can't think about winning this event again and my focus is that there is 36 holes to play and 36 birdies to be made."
There had been an 87-minute delay late in the afternoon due to an electrical storm and with four players electing not to return, and under new European Tour rules, they were disqualified.
Source: AFP