DPA/Augusta
 
While the golfing world eyes Augusta wondering if Rory McIlroy can complete a historic career grand slam of all four majors by winning this weekend’s Masters, Germany’s Martin Kaymer is also aware he could achieve the remarkable accomplishment - one day.
“Halfway sounds close, but it’s still far away,” Kaymer joked after a practice round early in the week. With the US Open (2014) and PGA Championship (2010) titles won, it is the Masters and the Open missing from his collection.
“It’s a career goal, it’s a long way, so Rory is a lot closer than me,” he said. “I wish him the best.  I hope I can do it.
“If he doesn’t do it this week, I hope he’s going to do it in his career. I think it will complete you more as a player, like for yourself.”
Aged 30, Kaymer still has several years in his prime to come as he attempts to finish the slam and become the complete player.
His first major was won in a tense three-hole play-off against Bubba Watson but at Pinehurst last year he mastered the infamously difficult number two course and destroyed the field.
Devastating rounds of 65-65 gave him a US Open record total of 130 at the halfway mark for a six-shot lead to set up a weekend formality.  He won at nine-under in a tournament when only another two men broke par.
But though Kaymer has a top-10 Open finish to his name, Augusta National has simply not worked out for him. Last year was his best effort from seven visits but was still no better than a tie for 31st.
“The first couple years, the first three or four years where I missed the cut, I wasn’t really able to play the golf course the way it was supposed to be played,” he said. “And then I adjusted a few things, and then the last two years I was playing it really well, but I struggled a little on the greens.
“So if I can put those things together, the putting from the first three or four years and the playing from the last couple years, I’ll be okay.”
Length and accuracy from the tee is key at Augusta, not because of punitive rough for missing fairways but the lightning quick greens must be approached from the optimal position - otherwise birdies become impossible and par a struggle.
With increased length, Kaymer says he can take three or four clubs off his approach to the long par-four 10th and the par-five 13th provides an eagle chance now he can reach the green in two.
“Now it’s a lot different,” he said. “I stand on the first tee, and on certain tee shots that I really didn’t fancy in the past, now they are not my favourites.
“It’s a little bit against the natural but I can make it work. At least I have an option, I know how to hit the shot.”
Kaymer has been drawing on the inspiration and advice of compatriot Bernhard Langer, a two-time Masters champion. As a former winner, Langer has a lifetime invitation to enter the event and the pair practiced together on Tuesday.
“It would take a long time to discuss (Langer’s advice on playing the course,” Kaymer joked. “But it’s more about angles, about positions.
“In general, playing with him, can be quite frustrating sometimes because you think you should be hitting the ball a lot longer; you should do certain things better because you are younger, but you are not. This is very, very impressive to see.”