3<\/p>\n Kaymer was handed the perfect motivation for this week’s PGA ChampionshipCredit: Getty<\/p>\n Representatives from the PGA of America were also present for the meal and one, it seems, hasn’t been keeping up with Kaymer’s LIV Golf exploits.<\/p>\n In fact, the individual wasn’t even sure if the German and three time Ryder Cup winner would be playing at Aronimink Golf Club this weekend, where a fellow star appeared to leak Chelsea’s new kit<\/a>.<\/p>\n Martin Kaymer handed perfect PGA Championship motivation<\/p>\n “On Tuesday evening we had the champion’s dinner, and there was a gentleman sitting next to me from the PGA of America, and he asked me if I still play,” Kaymer told reporters after firing an opening round 67 to sit in a share of the lead.<\/p>\n “And I said, ‘What do you mean?’ He said, ‘Well, are you playing this week?’<\/p>\n READ MORE ON PGA CHAMPIONSHIP<\/p>\n “I said, ‘Yeah, that’s why I’m here. I’m not flying from Europe to here to have a New York strip with you guys, you know, of course I’m playing.’<\/p>\n “That really motivated me, it was a good start to the week.”<\/p>\n Not only is Kaymer playing, but he’s playing at a high level.<\/p>\n Martin Kaymer stuns in round one with share of PGA Championship lead<\/p>\n Ranked No. 1160 in the world coming into the tournament, Kaymer is part of a seven-way tie for the first round lead<\/a>.<\/p>\n He managed four birdies, including a 16-foot closer at the par-5 ninth, and a bogey as part of a group of afternoon starters who avoided the tough morning conditions.<\/p>\n The fast start extends a run in which Kaymer’s game seems to be trending upward, following a few unconvincing finishes on the LIV circuit this year.<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n Kaymer holds a share of the lead after the opening round of the PGA ChampionshipCredit: Getty<\/p>\n As captain of Cleeks Golf Club, he finished T-31, T-25 and T-39 at events in South Africa, Mexico City and Virginia in the last two months.<\/p>\n Despite those results, the 41-year-old has belief in his game.<\/p>\n “I\u2019ve been playing well the last two, three events out on LIV,” Kaymer said.<\/p>\n “I didn\u2019t have good results, but I was playing well. And I knew I find more consistency.”<\/p>\n Martin Kaymer relishing challenge against golf’s best at Aronimink<\/p>\n Having slipped down the rankings in recent years, and lost his exemption for the US Open — which expired in 2024 following his victory in 2014 — Kaymer knows this weekend at Aronimink will be one of his last chances to play against the best in golf<\/a>.<\/p>\n Being tied for the lead after one round is undoubtedly a promising sign.<\/p>\n![\"Martin](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/martin-kaymer-germany-plays-shot-1080766031.jpg\")
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