Martin Kaymer Opens 2026 PGA Championship with 3-Under 67, Co-Leads at Aronimink

Martin Kaymer made a strong statement in the opening round of the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, carding a 3-under 67 to share the lead after 18 holes. The Cleeks GC captain described a disciplined performance focused on avoiding trouble and executing fundamentals. “Really well. Didn't make many mistakes. Stayed out of trouble. Avoided those 5-, 6-, 7-footers for par that can be quite stressful,” Kaymer said. “It can be a quite intimidating golf course, especially with that wind, cold wind we had today. So, the goal was to hit fairways and greens and try to hit a lot of those lag putts. And I did well of that. Again, I avoided the big numbers. I made one poor tee shot and the rest of it was very consistent.”

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A highlight of Kaymer’s round came on the par-5 9th (his 18th hole of the day), where he boldly hit driver off the deck from roughly 300 yards uphill. “I hit a lovely drive onto the middle of the fairway. And then I think I had 300 yards to the flag, uphill, and I said to my caddie, did he, do you think 3-wood can get to the front of the green? And he said, There's no chance,” Kaymer recalled. “So, and I practice a lot driver from the fairway. It was a lovely lie on the fairway. The grass grows with you, so you know you're not going to hit it fat… And again, I practice it a lot and there's no reason, if you can do it in practice, why shouldn't you be able to do it in the tournament. So, and it was a nice one.”

Kaymer noted he has been building momentum with solid play in recent LIV Golf events, even if results didn’t always reflect it. “I've been playing well the last two, three events out on LIV. I didn't have good result, but I was playing well. And I knew I find more consistency,” he said. He also expressed genuine enjoyment playing Aronimink, calling it a fair test that suits his eye. A lighthearted moment came at the champions’ dinner when a PGA of America representative asked if he was still playing, which only fueled his motivation.

The German veteran reflected on his long battle with injuries since 2021, including multiple surgeries that limited his preparation and performance. “I've been struggling since 2021… I could never really practice, because I was always hurt,” Kaymer explained. “Fortunately last four, five weeks I had great treatments, I have no pain any more. Everything is going the right direction. I can practice. It's fun. I have a great passion for the game.” This renewed health has him feeling as good as he has in years heading into a Major.

Kaymer also spoke about the special nature of competing in majors from his prior winner's exemptions. “Winning the PGA in 2010 and the U.S. Open, that is the ultimate feeling. No tournament, it doesn't matter on what Tour you can play can keep up with that,” he said. “Having the opportunity every year now for the few more years that is great. And I'm very honored that I could, that I can do that and compete against the guys.”

With a strong opening round under his belt and improved health allowing him to practice properly, Martin Kaymer is well-positioned as he looks to build on his solid start at Aronimink and make a deep run at the 2026 PGA Championship.

Quotes, data, and photos courtesy of PGA of America/PGA Championship