Martin Kaymer, fresh off a season that saw him win the US Open and Players Championship, will kick off 2015 at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, organisers announced on Sunday.
The German is a familiar face at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, where he’s won the tournament three times – 2011 most recently, as well as 2010 and 2008.
“Abu Dhabi has been very kind to me over the years and it’s no secret that I love playing there,” Kaymer said in a press release.
Kaymer is the second big name confirmed for the tournament, which typically boasts a handful of the world's top-ranked players. He joins world No 1 Rory McIlroy, whom organisers confirmed in mid-September.
Kaymer, 29, has risen to 12th in the world rankings on the strength of his midsummer form, which saw him take his second major title at Pinehurst No 2. He became the first player from continental Europe to claim the US Open crown.
He finished tied for 31st at this year’s Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, heading into the final round within shouting distance of the lead at six strokes back before fading with a Sunday 74.
Since his successive wins in 2010-11, Kaymer has also finished 103rd, in 2012, and tied for sixth, in 2013.
“I always feel comfortable in Abu Dhabi and after the success I’ve enjoyed it would mean a lot to win another Falcon trophy in its 10th year,” Kaymer said in the release.
He most recently capped a fine showing in Team Europe’s dominant win over the US at the Ryder Cup that included a memorable win over Bubba Watson, capped by a chip shot eagle to win it at the 17th hole.
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