The 37-year-old from Mettmann only played a weak opening round of 78 on the par 70 course in Florida at the PGA tournament in Palm Beach Gardens. The two-time Major winner will need to improve tremendously in the second round of the Honda Classic to avoid early retirement.
Kaymer played his last tournament at the end of November and announced a longer break from competitions in view of the impending birth of his first child. In mid-January, his girlfriend Irène Scholz gave birth to their son Sam.
Stephan Jäger made an excellent start in Florida. The German, who lives in the USA, was tied for tenth place following an opening lap of 68. The American Kurt Kitayama took the lead in the $8 million event with 64 strokes.
Source: dpa