• Race to Dubai

Kaymer crowned European No. 1

ESPN staff
November 28, 2010
Martin Kaymer won the Race to Dubai © Getty Images
Enlarge

Martin Kaymer held off the challenge of Graeme McDowell to win the Race to Dubai and end the year as European No. 1.

The 25-year-old, who succeeds Lee Westwood at the top of the European standings, became the youngest No. 1 on the European Tour since Ronan Rafferty in 1989. The win earns Kaymer a bonus of £932,024 from a £4.6m pool for the leading 15 money-winners.

McDowell needed finish in the top three at the Dubai World Championship to to have any chance of catching Kaymer, but finished well off the pace in Dubai.

After opening rounds of 72 and 73, McDowell left himself with a mountain to climb, and was unable to cap off an impressive year, in which he won his first major at the US Open before playing a key role in Europe's Ryder Cup victory.

"It has been a dream season and it just so happened that Martin had an unbelievable season as well," McDowell told Sky Sports.

"To give Martin a run for his money this week was very good, but things didn't really go my way - it's a golf course which continues to frustrate me. I played unbelievably well this weekend, but could barely buy a putt."

Kaymer, who beat Bubba Watson in a play-off to win the US PGA, climbed up to No. 3 in the world after victories at the KLM Open and Dunhill Links Championship.

"It's been a fantastic season for me," Kaymer said. "To win my first major and to be part of the winning Ryder Cup team is way above my expectations to be honest. And obviously when you win a major you know that you can win any tournament in the world."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices