Ryder Cup hero Martin Kaymer praises calming influence of Lee Westwood
By Matthew Treadwell
Last Updated: 29/09/16 5:32pm
Martin Kaymer has praised Lee Westwood for helping him settle into the European team when he made his Ryder Cup debut in 2010.
The German was paired with Westwood and credits his calming influence as key to his subsequent success in the competition.
Kaymer's putt under pressure ensured Jose Maria Olazabal's side claimed victory at what came to be known as the 'Miracle of Medina' in 2012, after Westwood had helped him become accustomed to the pressure of the competition two years previously.
"He helped me a lot, especially on that Friday morning when we played," Kaymer said of Westwood.
"He brings a lot of calmness and peace into the team room, but also a lot of strength. I think that mix is very rare."
Many fans associate Kaymer with the putt that won the Ryder Cup in 2012, as the 31-year-old prepares to try and help Europe secure an unprecedented fourth win in a row over the United States.
"People definitely recognize my career more because of the Ryder Cup putt than any other tournament I ever won in my career," said Kaymer, winner of the US PGA in 2010 and the US Open in 2014.
"There's nothing bigger. The majors, it's kind of like a 'selfish' win. But the Ryder Cup putt includes hundreds of people. It's almost like in football, where for some people it's like a religion.
"I was very glad I got that gift to make something amazing happen. There's nothing to compare it with."
Kaymer could be seen as a likely leader after featuring in the past three Europe wins, but he prefers a quieter role that lets him focus on results.
"I don't see myself as somebody who has to be a leader just because it's my fourth time," added Kaymer.
"Every player has their roles in the team, and I think you always have to respect where everybody is and let them do what they do best.
"That's why the team is so strong because everybody knows what they have to do."
