2014 U.S. Open: Kaymer extends lead at record-setting pace

PINEHURST, N.C. – Martin Kaymer not only held onto the lead, but extended it further by matching his opening round with another 5-under par 65 in the 2014 U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club on Friday.

Kaymer’s first two rounds of play that had him sitting at 10-under overall was eight strokes ahead of the field as afternoon groups began play.

“I didn’t make many mistakes today,” Kaymer said.

“I got a little tight the last three or four holes, but I made good up-and-downs, especially on 6 and 7. I hit enough fairways, enough greens, gave myself a few chances, made a couple longer putts today on 16 and then another one earlier. So I just, again, I didn’t make many mistakes and it was nice that I never really got into some difficult positions from the rough.”

The German came into the USGA championship ranked No. 28 in the World Ranking and as the recent Players Championship winner and continued to play the No. 2 course by simply hitting fairways and greens.

“I hit some smart shots, I didn’t play too aggressive and when I had a good number, I went for the flag and I didn’t make many mistakes on the greens,” Kaymer said.

“I didn’t three-putt. I made a lot of good putts today and yesterday.”

Kaymer played a softer layout that received rain the night before and his early morning tee time allowed him to play under ideal conditions as he put it.

He hit 12 of 14 fairways, landed the ball in regulation on 15 of 18 greens, successfully executed three sand saves and eventually added five more birdies to his overall total.

In doing so, he set a new U.S. Open scoring record as his 36-hole lead (65-65—130) was one stroke better than the previous one set by Rory McIlroy in 2011 at Congressional Country Club.

In addition, Kaymer became the sixth player in U.S. Open history to reach double digits under par, joining Gil Morgan (1992), Tiger Woods (2000), Jim Furyk (2003), Rick Barnes (2009), and McIlroy (2011).

A member of the PGA Tour since 2010, he holds two wins to his credit (2014 Players Championship, 2010 PGA Championship), and is playing in his seventh consecutive U.S. Open.

Kaymer seeks to win his first USGA title to top his highest-ever result, an eighth place finish back in 2010.