Martin Kaymer Goes Way Low For Abu Dhabi Lead

It could be that the notion the bookmakers erred in putting Martin Kaymer ahead of Lee Westwood in their pre-tournament rankings was unwarranted as the young German has just one bogey over his first two rounds opening up a three shot lead at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.

Kaymer’s second round was a bogey free 7-under 65 and he flew by first round leader Charl Schwartzel for a three shot edge at 12-under.

The 2010 PGA Champion had every part of his game in order, but his round could have easily been one, two, even three shots better, as he couldn’t manage better than a par on any of the Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s par-5’s.

With Kaymer playing at such a high level, and if he can get a  hold of a couple of the par-5’s in round three, the German could go low again and run away from an elite field that boasts six of world’s top-10.

After a 66 in round one, McDowell had a relative struggle on Friday posting three bogies, including one on the par-5 10th.

At this point, Kaymer is just playing too well and, ultimately, too clean for many to make a run at him.  McDowell got sloppy in round two and that simply won’t get the job done if he’s going to catch a player who has dropped just a single shot this week.

Charl Schwartzel, looking for his second straight Tour win after taking down the Joburg Open, could only muster a 71 in round two putting him at 9-under heading to the weekend.

Schwartzel had an off round, which could be considered as an ‘about time’, after a long run of top-notch play.

The South African just couldn’t settle in on Friday making five bogeys leaving himself at the mercy of an unrelenting Kaymer.

The books still give him a chance, but the odds are going backwards with Schwartzel now at (8-1).

From the land of long odds.  World #4 Phil Mickelson is in Abu Dhabi this week and it seems he’s using his Middle Eastern trip to work on his game.  Regardless, he’s at 3-under, 9 back of Kaymer and has a remote chance at victory based simply on the fact he’s been one of the best in the world for almost two decades.

You don't win tournaments by playing well and thinking poorly  - Lee Westwood