Martin Kaymer believes he may be able to come in under the radar at this week’s US Open Championship despite being the defending champion.
The German romped to an eight shot victory at Pinehurst 12 months ago, going three clear with an opening 65 and never relinquishing the advantage.
However, the World Number 19 is happy for much of the build-up at Chambers Bay to focus on the likes of World Number One Rory McIlroy, Masters Tournament winner Jordan Spieth and American Phil Mickelson, who is seeking to complete a career Grand Slam.
“It was very enjoyable,” Kaymer said of his victory last year. “This time you could really notice how much respect you get from players, from the fans, from a lot of people who are involved in golf and makes you very proud, especially the way I won last year.
“I was just trying to focus on what I wanted to do that day, and tried to enjoy in the position I was in and tried to challenge myself on Sunday, not challenge the other players, just challenge myself and keep going with my own game.
“A lot of times I'm under the radar, I feel like, which is fine. Obviously the other guys, they should get a lot of credit for what they have done.
“Jordan, what he has done this year, probably must have felt for the others how I played Pinehurst. It was impressive to watch that he didn't miss many putts. He played still very aggressive down the stretch the last few holes.
“Then what Rickie [Fowler] did at The Players, how bravely he played. And then obviously Rory and those guys they're all four or five years younger than me, so they should get the credit for what they have achieved. My win was already 12 months ago. So I think what they've done more recently is more important than my win last year.”
Kaymer also believes that the European contingent have an advantage on the fast links-style lay-out.
“I guess it's a similar golf course,” he added. “I won the US Open last year, so it would be surprising for me if I'm not a favourite, but I just see it as it's a different golf tournament.
“I think even chipping, pitching might be more difficult than putting, so I think you will see the putter a lot this week, not only from me, but from other players too.
“I enjoy playing these golf courses. I think the guys from the UK might have a little bit of an advantage this week, because this is what they grew up on. I think it's a great golf course.
“It’s completely different in the way you have to be very creative, very untypical for US Opens. But I think for the European players, we welcome those courses.”
