by Jeff Skinner
Martin Kaymer knew his game was getting better, even before he sunk the putt that clinched the Ryder Cup for his European Team. The former world number one, who hadn’t won a tournament in over a year had told his caddie that winning every year was his goal. The Nedbank Golf Challenge was his last chance at achieving that goal and with a three under par 69 he came from behind to get back in the victory column. Kaymer topped Charl Schwartzel by two and Bill Haas by three to claim the $1.25 million winner’s check and finally turn the page on a drought that dated back to the WGC-HSBC Champions in November of 2011.
Graeme McDowell hasn’t been shy about his fondness for Sherwood Country Club after all he won here in 2010 and always seems to score well at Sherwood. Sunday was no different as he shot a three under par 69, his 10th round in the 60’s of 12 rounds there, and won his second World Challenge. With some nifty play on the back nine McDowell held off Keegan Bradley to finally win again. He had been winless in all of 2011 and 2012 until his final birdie fell on eighteen.
McDowell hasn’t played much golf lately and his 2012 was at best frustrating. He played well, T12 at Augusta, had a chance at another U.S. Open but tied for 2nd, finished T5 at The Open and was T11 at The PGA Championship as his pal Rory smoked the field. But another season without a win wasn’t worth celebrating. Now, the Northern Irishman can look back on 2012 with a bit more pride as he cashes a million dollar check and adds that funky “Tiger Trophy” to his collection.
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